Ecclesiastes 4:9 – 12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 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. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9 – 12 (NIV)
Why is this message in Ecclesiastes important for us to act on? The words of Jesus in John 16:33 appear to have the answer: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
“In this world you will have trouble.” How well we know that to be true. When our sons Ben & Matt were growing up, one of our key messages to them was, it’s ok to get knocked down. But it’s not ok to stay down. It’s important that you get back up, each and every time you get knocked down.
In some cases, Ben and Matt were able to “get back up on their own.” In other cases, they were able to “get back up” with assistance from Jane, from me, or from others. At times, they thought they had to handle “getting back up” on their own, and they struggled with that challenge. Thankfully, they had someone to reach out to in those situations to help them “get back up.”
I don’t know whether Ben and Matt prayed when they were “knocked down.” But looking back on my earlier life, I’m not sure I looked to Jesus through prayer, to help me “get back up,” when I’d been “knocked down.” Thankfully, I had and have a network of family and friends who helped me “get back up.” I expect family members or friends may have been praying for me during those times. In recent years, I’ve continued to strengthen my relationships with others, but I also focus more on prayer.
Questions for Reflection:
- Thinking of the trouble in your life, whether it’s health, relationship(s), finances or other difficulties, who have you turned to for help?
- Have you prayed for strength and guidance when facing those challenges?
- How have you guided your children to build relationships with others, and to pray for strength and guidance?
Prayer:
Father God, there’s no escaping the fact that life is messy and full of trouble. The beautiful and amazing world You created is fractured. But despite this, Jesus who overcame the world offers us hope. Help us to build relationships, not only to be helped up, but to help others up when they face the troubles of the world. I pray that anyone who feels alone when they “fall down” remembers that Jesus is with them, and they are able to pray to Him for strength and guidance.
In Your name I pray. Amen.
Login To Leave Comment