It’s like smoking 15 cigarettes a day, the harm it brings upon your body.” This was a statement from a national health organization on their findings that loneliness and isolation is happening in countless lives, both young and old, from the fallout of the Covid pandemic. The report goes on to say that presently we have an epidemic in America due to isolation which is causing extreme loneliness and anxiety.

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated. Eccl. 4:12

It is not good for a person to be constantly alone. We are designed by God for relationship and engagement with others. This scripture clearly says that one alone can be overcome by a variety of things that can and will attack us. Be it spiraling thoughts, negative feelings, a lack of overall purpose or the whispers of the enemy of our soul. I would imagine that even there are those who would read these words and they recognize they are fighting discouragement right now. Let me encourage you to fight through the malaise and seek out another person, call someone, go to church, get close to your family, go serve somewhere, make the effort. Look at the thought that follows the verse above:

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Eccl. 4:12

This effective word picture uses the imagery of military action, showing that two can bring about a victory as they cover each other’s weaknesses and vulnerable places. True friends can see what you cannot see, and they choose to protect, to stand alongside and not allow the cheap shots of this world to wound you. Don’t try to fight life alone. Breakthrough the isolation and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to an old friend or new one. Better yet, be a friend for someone who is battling the same problem.