Few things take us as deep as grief. But no depths are too much for God. Come explore how He can turn the seemingly impenetrable darkness of grief into fertile ground for trust and peace.
Photos
We recorded the podcast at Karen’s parents’ favorite beach.
Rocks of remembrance.
One of God’s gifts – we met up with this adorable boxer.
Later we visited Cape Arago and came upon this sea lion willing to pose for a few photos. Another small delight from God.
And there were other touches of joy…
We want to hear from you!
Have you experienced grief in the deep? What helped you get through it?
When we’re in deep places, it’s easy to feel alone. Like no one understands or has ever been through what you’re battling. But the truth is, there are people out there—people you already know—who have been in the deep too—or are in there now. Come join us in this podcast to learn how to harness a powerful tool for enduring and thriving in the deep: community!
Show Notes
We’re NOT alone in the deep. We can learn from each other. Encourage each other. Help each other. Isolation, or the appearance of it, is one of the most powerful tools of the enemy. Not just because we feel so discouraged, not just because we’re more vulnerable to lies, depression, and spiritual attack when we feel alone, but also because we don’t get the wisdom, council, prayer support, and words of truth that God gives others to share with us in community.
Scriptures
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:16
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 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 10:23-25
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity, all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting. Psalm 133:1-3
He who walks with the wise becomes wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20
The Benefits of Community
God designed us for fellowship. Our brains are wired for social interaction.
Community reminds us that we’re not alone.
Community brings us the wisdom of shared experiences.
Community brings us encouragement.
Community brings us truth in the face of lies.
Community Requires
Trust
Commitment
Vulnerability
Humility
Honesty
You have to give of yourself in community to find the greatest benefit.
How to Find Community
Prayer. Ask God to lead you to the right community.
Look at the people around you already. At church, in Sunday School class or Bible study, at places you frequent such as your child’s school, or wherever. Who do you find yourself listening to? Who seems to understand what you say? Who would you like to spend more time with? Sometimes our community, or the beginnings of it, is already in place. We just need to recognize it.
If you don’t feel there’s the potential for community already there, then realize that building a personal community often starts with shared likes—writing, coffee, etc. There are all kinds of groups out there—from folks who love riding motorcycles to quilters, from artists to gun enthusiasts.
You can also start with a shared location: church, work, groups you’ve joined, volunteer work, your neighborhood, your school, or even walking your dog at the park, or going to the gym.
The Bottom Line
When you’re in the deep, the enemy of our souls wants you alone there. Or, more to the point, to believe you’re alone there. But when we have community around us, we have the weapons of encouragement, wisdom, shared experiences, and so much more to turn to and lean on. Community can uphold and encourage us, even as it dwells with us in these deep places. Community is God’s gift to us, so let’s make sure we’re invested in it as He enables us.
