Sometimes I just feel lonely. I can be in a room surrounded by a lot of people, but I long for something deeper. Our souls crave to be in community with others. Coming out of the pandemic after spending that year in isolation felt so refreshing. We could get out of our yoga pants and put on some fancy clothes, and the goal was to connect with our people. However, a lot of those people that I talked to also felt more reserved because they spent so much of that time solo. They grew accustomed to doing life alone.
We are not meant to face this world by ourselves. That craving you have for others is part of a design. God created us as relational beings. We need one another to help point us to Jesus and face trials and joys with others.
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Does it seem like some are so good at this, while maybe you desire a deep connection and are missing it? You are not alone. It took me a long time to develop my people.
I attended a great church many years ago. The pastor was incredible, and I learned a lot spiritually, but I was not connected. We moved far across town and started looking for a new church. The second we stepped foot in the door of Willowdale Chapel, I connected with the small groups pastor, Carole Hoy, and joined the first group I could. It started something for me as a woman connecting with other women, but also deepened my faith and relationship with Jesus. Over the past seven years I have always had women in my corner walking with me. They have prayed for me through my job changes, my moves, my miscarriages, my adoption, my marital concerns. We discuss hard issues in the faith and challenge each other. It is not always the same women in each group, but we always find connection. We are connected by the love of Jesus and the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit.
I don’t know where you are in your faith but I promise you, finding community and discipleship in your local church will change your life. It gives you someone to reassure you in troubled times. It deepens your faith. You are reminded of who Jesus is. It keeps you accountable.
I encourage you to reach out, wherever you may be in your journey with Jesus, and find a way to participate in your church community more intimately. Try to go out of your comfort zone and meet some new people even if you are going alone. God made you to need people and you may be that person for someone else. I am so thankful for the ladies that have been this for me.
“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9
ABOUT OUR BLOGGER
Susan Veenema has been in education for almost 21 years supporting children with disabilities and their families and currently works for the Department of Education. Susan and her husband, Jeremy, love exploring Chester County with their two older biological daughters and three foster children. People are her passion.