Hebrews 10: 23-25 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
We can and should have private daily devotions. However, when trials come, it is so much easier to endure suffering and pain when we have a group of like-minded people in the faith who encourage us not to lose hope, regardless of how bad the situation looks or may actually be. The author of Hebrews was concerned about the persecuted Christians who had stopped meeting together with other Christians.
The author understood the danger of not having a faith community, people who love us and want the best for us and know the power of God, helping us keep hope alive in the difficult seasons of our lives. I like attending baptisms and baby dedications because the whole church stands and vows to help the new convert or the parents of a new infant when they feel overwhelmed and are in danger of losing hope.
I believe that part of the reason the COVID pandemic was so depressing and fearful was that we found ourselves separate from the people who encouraged us with hugs, prayers, and other words of assurance in the goodness of God. I read a recent report from the U. S. Surgeon General’s office about a health crisis fueled by loneliness. The key to solving the problem is a more connected society and connected lives. This is what the author of Hebrews knew centuries ago: humans need each other and the encouragement of others.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Two people helping each other will conquer what one alone cannot, but when you add the Lord as the third cord of the triple-braided cord, there is strength to endure whatever comes our way.
Let the people of God seek each other out in times of trials and tribulations. Don’t retreat into a solitary place, for this is the time when friends in Christ Jesus are needed. We are meant to encourage each other, pray for each other, and lend a helping hand, as we all hold unswervingly, meaning patiently enduring and not giving up, our hope in the One who is faithful in His promises, the Most High God and His Son, Jesus Christ, our great High Priest.
Amen.
Help from Heaven 
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