Take Time - Part 3 [Notes]

The past few years have been challenging for us all. When the pandemic hit, the entire world was swept up into a new reality that included mask mandates, closed businesses, postponed weddings and honeymoons, and online classes and graduation ceremonies. We've experienced many losses, and we have grown weary. But what have we learned through this trial? Have we stopped to grieve? Are we better prepared for the trials we may face in the future?

Join us as we address some of these questions in a series of talks titled “Take Time.”  This encouraging series will help us slow down and learn what God may be wanting to teach us as we move forward.

Today's Takeaway // Take time to reconnect with others.

“...there is a high cost associated with the essential quarantine and social distancing interventions for COVID-19, especially in older adults, who have experienced an acute, severe sense of social isolation and loneliness with potentially serious mental and physical health consequences.”
– Cambridge University Press, National Library of Medicine

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper as his complement.”¹
– Genesis 2:18 (HCSB)
_{¹ The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (Ge 2:18). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.}

Again, I saw futility under the sun: There is a person without a companion,^l without even a son or brother, and though there is no end to all his struggles, his eyes are still not content with riches. “So who am I struggling for,” he asks, “and depriving myself from good?” This too is futile and a miserable task.
– Ecclesiastes 4:7-8 (HCSB)
_{^l 4:8 Lit person, but there is not a second,}

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.²
– Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (HCSB)
_{² The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (Ec 4:7–8. (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.}

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.
– Ecclesiastes 4:9 (HCSB)

Synergy: The interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc.
– Dictionary.com

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.
– Ecclesiastes 4:9 (HCSB)

For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.
– Ecclesiastes 4:10-12 (HCSB)

For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.
– Ecclesiastes 4:10 (HCSB)

Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm?
– Ecclesiastes 4:11 (HCSB)

The warmth of lying beside each other...is an image derived from that of travelers who must lie beside each other to stay warm on cold desert nights. But the usage is here metaphorical for emotional comfort against the coldness of the world.³
– D.A. Garrett
_{³ Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (Vol. 14, p. 308). Broadman & Holman Publishers.}

Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm?
– Ecclesiastes 4:11 (HCSB)

And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.
– Ecclesiastes 4:12 (HCSB)

1. How do you think the pandemic has negatively impacted our relationships with other people?What are some little and big ways we have been forced to separate from others?
2. Why do you think it is important for us to have other people in our lives?
3. Read Ecclesiastes 4:7-12.What are some of Solomon’s arguments in favor of being connected with others?
4.Read Hebrews 10:24-25. Why do you think some people resist being in fellowship with other believers? What are some negative things that can happen if we become disconnected from God’s people?
5. What are some practical steps people can take to become more connected with others?
6. How might you apply today’s lesson to your life?

My Defense // Let it Be Real (I'm Ready) // My Eyes Have Seen // Good Grace

Get More From the Message | Each week, a new devotional will be available. This devotional is based on the previous Sunday's message, and it aims to take the message further and help you dive deeper into the topic. You can find the devotionals at the link, or sign up to receive weekly emails.

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity—we cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.