Depression is rampant and suicide is on the rise. One of the factors feeding this tragedy is that so many people are very alone. We are the most technologically connected and the most personally disconnected generation in the history of the world! All too often when we face disappointment or discouragement we all have the tendency to draw into our ourselves and avoid others. This is a mistake and a trap of the Devil.

The world says that we need “community.” The Lord said it better,

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

At a critical time in Europe’s history the English poet John Donne wrote:

No man is an island,
entire of itself;
every man is a piece of the continent,
a part of the main.

It was a warning against isolationism. In the context of the Christian life and ministry and the current culture we are in this is a necessary caution.

The Creator knew that it was not good for man to be alone, and so He made him a helpmeet (Genesis 2:18). Family was God’s idea from the beginning. “God setteth the solitary in families…” (Psalm 68:6). Of course, the greatest family is the family of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ knew that we would need one another (Ephesians 4:16)! This is why He gave us a local church.

Satan always does the most damage when he manages to separate a believer from the rest of the flock. Remember that it was when Eve was by herself that the old Serpent inflicted his first strike into the human race. In isolation you lack both the encouragement and accountability you need to stay the course. Yes, we need one another and we all need the Lord.

Resist the urge to stay away. Make yourself reach out and connect. Do it especially when you don’t feel like it! You need it…and someone else may as well.