And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. —Hebrews 10:25 NLT
It was our first summer gathering after a year of Bible study together. With vacations and other commitments that come with the warmer months, we transition from meeting every week to every other week from June through August. We can’t imagine going all summer without any time face-to-face.
One by one, while sitting around the table at Panera’s that morning, each woman was given the opportunity to share what was on her heart. One woman had lost her husband of 50 years just two weeks earlier. Funeral preparations were underway. We listened as another woman shared her deep sadness over a grandchild’s choices that are affecting family relationships. One shared the sorrow she is feeling as a dear friend deals with a new diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Another was grieving over a daughter’s shattered dream.
I drove home aware that the burdens we carry are heavy. Yet I believe each of us felt lighter as we left the restaurant that day. I am very grateful we chose to continue meeting during these summer months rather than try to carry our burdens alone. We need each other! The writer of Hebrews knew this when he wrote our verse above. We are also admonished in Galatians to “Share each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2a NLT).
Scripture tells us that God is close to the broken-hearted, and one way He manifests His nearness is through fellow believers. While summer can be a season to press “pause” on some commitments to make room for rest and play, I don’t think time in community is one of them. We aren’t meant to live life in isolation. In the book of Romans, Paul writes, “… We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other” (12:5b NLT emphasis mine). This carries with it the responsibility of caring in practical ways. Our group has gathered around the recently widowed woman to mow her lawn, weed the garden, and help plan the funeral reception. Our heart is to show her that she belongs to us and is not alone.
Enjoy the summer and the refreshment a change in schedule provides! But continue to touch base with the spiritual friends God has given you. If you have yet to find this kind of community, I encourage you to actively pursue it. Pray for God to guide you to the ones He has waiting for you and to give you courage as you step out.
Heavenly Father, thank you for creating the body of Christ. Please lead us all to a place of belonging within it and to the abundant life You have waiting for us there. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,
so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. (Psalm 90:14)
Judy Wilson
Sweet Selah Ministries
Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service
Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)
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