relationships — Devotions — Kristine Brown, Author

(This post has been updated since original publication.)

Last week’s devotion revealed What the Bible Says about Being Busy. If you didn’t get a chance to read it, click the title link to take you there.

In that post, we discovered someone else in Scripture (besides Martha) struggled with being too busy. Today we will uncover how busyness can lead to loneliness, and what we can do to guard against it.

I'm around people all the time at work and at home, so why do I still feel lonely?

Have you ever asked yourself this question? Have you found yourself in that place where you feel like you can’t get a moment of peace and quiet, yet you feel alone? Or maybe you interact on social media daily but still feel disconnected.

Busyness can draw us away from others.

Not long ago, I went to a local community event with my husband. I recognized faces of folks we’d known for years, and some we’d recently met. Yet as I searched through the crowd for a seat, a sobering thought came to me.

I didn’t feel like I knew any of them well enough to take a seat beside them and strike up a conversation.

Awkwardness grew while we stood there, scanning the rows for someone, anyone who might wave a friendly hand, signaling us to join them. But that didn’t happen, so we found a seat alone.

I thought about how many of those familiar faces were my friends on social media. I wondered why I didn’t feel comfortable approaching them for face-to-face conversation. Could it be that my time on social media was actually drawing me away from close relationships?

The convenience of connecting online gives the illusion that we’re saving time. When in reality, we’re just making more time to fill with more items on the to-do list.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b NIV

God loves relationship.

His Word assures us of His desire for relationship with us. Isaiah 41:10 says, So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

God’s love for relationship begins between us and Him, but it doesn’t stop there. He also teaches us the importance of relationships with one another.

“God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.” Psalm 68:6 NLT

When we draw closer to Christ and then connect with others, something remarkable happens. Our relationships draw others to Christ.

As we meditate on these verses this week, let’s allow God to reveal where we can connect with others. Prioritizing relationships will guard our hearts against loneliness that comes from being too busy.

Need ideas for how to grow those friendships? My online and in-person friend Mitzi wrote Real Friends Build Each Other Up, where she shares a free printable with 8 Ways to Bless Your Friends. Feel free to click the link to check it out.

Blessings,

Kristine

Friendship means we are called to action.

“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.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

As we bring this series to a close, let’s review what we learned this past month about Why Friendship Is Worth the Risk.

If you missed any of these lessons, click on each link to take you directly to that post. I pray you found something to take away from the series – something to give you that extra boost toward building community.

I know it did for me.

In case you are still considering whether the risk involved is worth the effort it takes to build community, let’s look at one final lesson regarding friendship – a call to action.

Or shall we say, 'called' to action.

Have I spurred someone on today?

Have I encouraged her toward good deeds by demonstrating love?

Have I met together with a friend this week?

According to the above verse in Hebrews, these things are all the more important as we approach the day of Christ’s return. God clearly directs us to make the most of every opportunity we are given while we are still here on earth, doing our part in fulfilling the Great Commission.

One friend at a time.

Yes, we are called to action. Let’s act on that call today by moving beyond the busyness of our days and making time for friendships. It’s a risk, but it’s worth it.

Kristine

Linking up with some of my favorite writers this week. Click the buttons to the right to visit these encouraging sites!