We’ve all either heard or used the phrase life is lifing at some point or another. For those who don’t know, this phrase refers to when the circumstances of life are seemingly piling up at once. This past summer, in the midst of my own circumstances, God reminded me of two important truths to cling to when navigating those uncomfortable seasons: lean into and consider my community.

Lean Into Your Community

As we navigate our daily routines and life’s challenges, we can easily enter into the cycle of waking up, pushing through, and sighing an exhale of relief once the day is done (or maybe that’s just me).

In those cycles though, I’ve noticed that I oftentimes (unknowingly) draw away from my community and start living in isolation. But once I reconnect with my people, I’m reminded why biblical community is so important. As Pastor Jerome often says, “We’re not meant to be lone-ranger Christians”, but we’re meant to do life with the body of Christ. Our community is there to help guide us, encourage us, build us up, and challenge us so we can grow spiritually (1 Thess. 5:14; Hebrews 3:13; James 5:16).

I’ll be honest though, once I’ve realized that I’ve disconnected from community, I can easily convince myself to stay disconnected. I’ll tell myself, “I don’t want to burden anyone, they’re probably busy so there’s no need to reach out”, etc. But those thoughts are lies that just keep me in isolation, and that’s exactly what the enemy wants for us.

We’re called to “carry one another’s burdens”, and there are people ready and willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our lives if we tell them we need help (Galatians 6:2). I’m learning that God often uses other people to show His love, kindness, and provision to us. However, if we’re disconnected, we miss out on the encouragement and support we need to grow in our walk with Christ.

Consider Your Community

Not only did God remind me to stay connected, but He also reminded to consider my community as well.

If we’re honest, we often think of ourselves. And in our daily routines, it’s also easy to unintentionally center our prayers and conversations on our own needs, leaving little space to pray for, support, or listen to our friends who also need encouragement.

Philippians 2:3-4 says to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” And, friend, this Scripture isn’t telling us to think less of ourselves, but rather it’s challenging us to model after Christ’s example of humility and to intentionally think of how we can consider others.

Jesus gives us a great example of this in John chapter 17 before He’s betrayed and handed over to be crucified. He prays not only for Himself, but He also prays for His disciples and all believers.

When I take time to intentionally step outside of my world and consider my community, it brings me joy to know that I’m reflecting Christ in those moments. But not only that, it also takes my mind off of what I’m going through (even if just for a moment), and as I encourage others, I’m often strengthened to keep persevering as well.

So if you’ve been going through a season of isolation, I just want to encourage and remind you of the beauty that comes with biblical community and the necessity of considering others in our walk with Christ. We aren’t meant to go through life alone, and the good news is, we don’t have to!

Journaling Prompts

1. If you’ve disconnected from biblical community, what step can you take today to get reconnected?
   • Ideas: send a text, make a phone call, attend church on Sundays, attend small groups, etc.
2. How can you intentionally consider others?
   • Ideas: ask God to place people on your heart that you can pray for, encourage, and support (both in spiritual, emotional, and tangible ways)

Prayer

God, we thank You for who You are. Thank You for reminding us of the beauty of biblical community and for reminding us to consider others. Help us to model after Christ’s example of humility and to be intentional about walking alongside those You’ve placed in our lives. In Christ Jesus’ Name. Amen!