Scripture Text: Ecclesiastes 4:8-12
No man is an island. Every individual needs help. The independent one also needs a good company, even if it is few, it is a great help. They can work together for better achievement. Remember, loneliness is not recommended for individuals. People have their own kind of companion to fit in. Adam was alone and God noticed it so he gave him a woman, who was his helpmate to do their work in the garden of Eden, and be his companion.
Here in Ecclesiastes 4:8, the author was alone and asked himself what and for whom he is toiling for. If we are toiling only and not for the sake of others, we are also alone and chasing after the wind. If we work hard and deprive ourselves of the things that we work for, that is meaningless. Parents toil even with sleepless nights to get the work done. They would not stop until they accomplish it, and tomorrow they repeat the same pattern. That is because of their loved one. They work hard to give the needs of their loved ones, and that is one of the cycles of their expression of love to their family. If we have a few friends to be with, I think to work is not burdensome because we enjoy working with them. We pause for a break to talk, eat, and drink with them then we work again together. One of the best gifts men received from God is to have an associate or help when we do the work. Friends in both times—whether good and bad—are there.
The author may be experiencing loneliness because he has great wisdom and he never found anyone who can talk to him with the same level. The author studied things differently; he thinks deeper to know the cause. He was alone studying the cycle of life, but then again, he found the one who is truly a great companion, God. The one who gave him wisdom. He consults God before he acts. God is the one who can understand him in his deep thinking and the one who can answer every question in his mind. Like the author, we are blessed because we also have God with us. God provides us with relatives, friends, and other people around us, and above all else we have the presence of God in our midst—the one who gave us contentment.
Reflect
1. Are you alone?
2. Are you afraid with somebody around you?
3. Do you pray to God to give you a good circle of friends?
Remember
We are communal people; we need the help of others. God provides the right people around us to help us and to enjoy life with them.
Read
Ecclesiastes 8:1-5; Proverbs 21:1-8; Acts 16:11-40; Mark 7:24-30
Pray
Dear Lord, thank You for all my relatives, friends, and other people to support me in all my endeavors in this life. Bless us Lord, for this wonderful gift we have. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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