The Fear of Loneliness

Life can be scary, especially when you feel alone. Here’s a light-hearted story to illustrate this:

There was a little boy who was afraid of the dark. One evening, his mom asked him to fetch a broom from the back porch. He hesitated, saying, “I can’t go! It’s dark outside.” His mom reassured him, “Sweetheart, you’ll be fine. The broom’s right on the back porch. And besides that, Jesus will be there to protect you.” The boy, still unsure, cracked the door open a couple of inches and whispered, “Hey Jesus, if you’re out there, could you just hand me the broom?”

The Power of Relationships

Relationships play a crucial role in our lives; nobody likes to be alone. The saying, “Friendship doubles your joys and divides your sorrows,” has proven true time and again. This principle is as ancient as the Scripture we’ve been studying this summer in our series, “Living Life Backward.” We’ve been exploring the book of Ecclesiastes and its profound wisdom.

Wisdom from Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes, thought to be written by King Solomon, opens with a striking phrase: “It’s all meaningless.” Solomon, later in life, reflects on his experiences and wealth, urging readers to consider the brevity of life and what truly matters. In Ecclesiastes chapter 4, Solomon examines the vanity of selfish living and highlights the importance of companionship.

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

7 Again I saw something meaningless under the sun:

8 There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless—a miserable business!

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:

10 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.

11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Relationship Goals

As we reflect on this text, consider your own relationships. Are you someone who enjoys many friendships, or do you keep people at a distance due to past hurts? Evaluate your relationships with family, friends, and the body of Christ.

Solomon provides five relationship goals to guide us:

Relationship Goal #1: Community

Verses 7-8: Solomon describes a man who lives alone, working tirelessly without anyone to share his wealth with. He emphasizes the emptiness of such a solitary life.

Solomon then contrasts this with the benefits of community. He writes, “Two are better than one.” While two people may have different opinions and approaches, community is essential. We are designed to be social beings. Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Relationship Goal #2: Productivity

Verse 9: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.” Working together increases productivity and provides mutual encouragement. Whether in the workplace, sports, or ministry, teamwork is crucial.

Relationship Goal #3: Stability

Verse 10: “If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Having someone to support you during tough times is invaluable. Galatians 6:1 encourages us to restore those who have fallen with a spirit of gentleness.

Dr. Donald Joy’s concept of “Who’s Holding Your Trampoline?” illustrates this well. He suggests that a healthy support system consists of family, relatives, friends, and acquaintances.

Relationship Goal #4: Intimacy

Verse 11: “Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?” Intimacy is vital for emotional and physical well-being. Howard Snyder highlights the church’s need for genuine fellowship where honesty prevails, and masks are dropped.

Relationship Goal #5: Security

Verse 12: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Security in numbers is essential. Whether facing a physical threat or the attacks of the devil, having solid companions provides protection.

Conclusion: The Threefold Cord

Solomon’s closing thought, “A threefold cord is not quickly broken,” emphasizes the strength found in unity. Make Jesus the center of your relationships, and seek His guidance in all you do. With Him, your relationships will be strong and enduring.