When we go through major disappointments in life, our natural reaction is to pull back and isolate ourselves. We want to handle it ourselves. We want to keep our losses and failures and mistakes and crises a secret. We want to withdraw. This is a terrible idea!
When you go through disappointment or crisis or loss, that’s when you need your friends the most. You need to accept help from others. God doesn’t intend for you to handle all the pain and stress in your life by yourself. We were wired for each other. We need each other. We’re social beings. The first thing God said in the Garden of Eden is, “It’s not good for man to be alone.” We’re made to be in relationships.
Job 6:14 says, “When desperate people give up on God Almighty, their friends, at least, should stick with them” (MSG).
There will be times in your life when you are in so much pain you will say, “I don’t even believe in God right now!” You need to have friends who will come alongside you and say, “That’s okay. We’ll believe God for you right now.”
There will come a time when you’ll say, “I don’t have any faith right now. I’m full of doubt.” That’s when you need your friends to step in and say, “That’s okay. We will have faith for you. We will trust God for you in this.”
“By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 NCV). What is the law of Christ? It’s this: Love your neighbor as yourself. The Bible commands us to help each other. Every time you help somebody who’s going through pain, you are fulfilling the law of Christ.
Trying to handle your trouble yourself will only make you more tired and stressed out. You need to accept the help of others and let your friends carry you through it. And know that God is with you all the way. He is at work in your circumstances, even if you can’t see him working at this point.
Talk It Over
Who in your life supports you through your loss and disappointment? How do you do the same for them?
What are the things you find the most helpful when you’re in a difficult situation?
How can a small group provide the kind of support you need when you’re in trouble?
What can we learn about God through the support of our friends who follow Jesus, too?
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