In the beginning, God created the universe and then filled it with life. God made the first human— and he was very good. Then God fashioned a very good woman—because He decided that even in a perfect world, it’s far from good for humans to exist without other humans.
In fact, God says of the man’s loneliness, “I will make a helper fit for him” (Genesis 2:18). The word “helper”, is the Hebrew word ezer. This powerful word appears several times in the Old Testament (including Exodus 18:4; Psalm 121:1, 124:8; Ezekiel 12:14; and Isaiah 30:5), mostly to describe God’s mighty military intervention. To paraphrase Genesis 2:18, ezer describes Eve as
the one who has Adam’s back. Ezer is a word imbued with strength, tenacity, and fierceness that the English word “helper” can miss.
Before sin even came into the world, the Lord knew humans needed other humans in order to flourish. Our need to have each other’s back has only increased because of the rampaging presence of sin both in the world and in our everyday struggles. Sometimes we feel it when we roll out of bed after a fitful night of sleep and wake with a weight on our shoulders. Our feet hit the floor and all we want to do is skulk back into our beds and crawl into ourselves. We feel in those moments that it is good for us to be alone. Isolation is one of Satan’s best playing cards.
Sin blows up real-life relationships with all the messiness of characters on our favorite soap opera. Sin changed the relationship between humans and God and between the man and the woman. At first, Adam and Eve were naked and unashamed—free to love, cohabit, work, plan, and rest without inhibition. But after sin entered into the world, shame dropped like a bomb, compelling them to cover themselves with fig leaves and hide from God. We have been hiding ourselves ever since. The proper cover for our emotional nakedness, however, isn’t hiding; it’s confession. This is one of the reasons that the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and compels us to admit wrongdoing. Thankfully, the Spirit does not leave us vulnerable; He covers us with forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9).
Through coming to Christ and being involved in an outside organization, I have learned that being of help, or service, as I like to call it, is one of the best things I can do for my sisters. I try and come from an unconditional space to do whatever they need & I truly feel this is something I have learned from Christ.
My friend whom I’ve seen once in the last 20 years was there for me during a time of great heartache. She did not have to say anything but was there for me. Physically present. As time passed, she helped me move. Move on to do things and to appreciate life. In the same way, God is ever present and guides me to grow and flourish in life.
I have had many low times in my life and I had this one special friend who within a few minutes could have me laughing and making me feel better about myself and whatever situation I was facing.
A person who has continually had my back, supported me, or lifted me up has been my Husband-Eric. He truly is my rock, my best friend and I know I can count on him regardless. He has been there for me through challenging times in my life- whether it be financial uncertainty, worries for our children, depression, fear of no being good enough and the death of loved ones. He has been by my side. Also, my friend Alanna also has been there for me through challenging times of uncertainty in my life when my husband was going through his own challenges. I needed them both at times and just one at other times- when you are going through something you feel alone, like your whole life is unraveling before your eyes and you have no control but if you take a step back and breathe- you realize you are okay & it will be fine. Yes, the picture of your life may change but you will be okay! Nothing is picture perfect anyway! God has been a true help to me through scripture and by knowing he has me. The phrase if God brings you to it- he’ll bring you through it. I know I have yelled- God What are we doing- I am in it- when do I get through it plenty of times! 🙂 I have also questioned at times if God truly knows how strong I am but in the end… Yes HE does!
When my mother had heart attack, she came to help me through some very stressful and painful planning that had to be done ASAP to protect our Mother’s best interest and immediate needs! I can call her anytime and she will be there for me and me there for her. Friends help me do life together!
After the breakup, I spent some time with Genesis. She spent the day painting with me and going for a walk and listening to me. I cried to her and she hugged me and talked to me about God’s love and protection. He has a good plan for my life and He is going to take care of me. God has given me peace when I feel broken and He’s given me strength when I’ve been at my weakest.
I was having suicidal, depressing thoughts that I just wanted to stop one way or another. When I shared these thoughts with my friend she didn’t judge me, she didn’t start out by saying all the cliche type phrases-she listened and asked questions. Then she shared a time where she attempted to take her own life but felt something saved her that night. She isn’t a Christian but she also spoke about how being in isolation is where depression wants me and will mess with my mind. I think God spoke through her and used her to reach me to look deeper and run to Him.
My friends came from several different states to see me when my sister died. Their support meant more than anything I could imagine.
God is faithful and sees what I need even when I don’t see it my self. I get so consumed with the everyday trials that I often don’t look up to help someone else. God, like a good friend, is dependable even when I am undependable. I wish my Friends come to my aid even before I have to ask But I’m afraid to admit I am not that kind of friend. My biggest struggle with friends is I am not a very good friend, therefore I put higher expectations on my friends than I do on my self.
Melani. Thank God for Melani. I was sinking into the darkness of my depression and eating disorder while trying to care for my 7 year old daughter. Oh so lost and I just couldn’t find the light. My relationship with God barely existed at the time. I went to church and volunteered in the children’t ministry, but I didn’t KNOW God.
It came to me that it was time to get help. I asked Melani if my daughter could stay with her for the summer (I’m a teacher) while I checked myself into a hospital for a bit. There was a wonderful clinic near her in Colorado. By the time we got to Colorado, I was scared they wouldn’t let me out when I wanted to leave. Spending time with Melani and in the presence of a Godly family was what I needed to find my way. To feel loved even when I didn’t deserve to be loved. To be valued when I hated myself beyond all belief.
I didn’t check myself in, but I did begin a prayer life as well as find a therapist in my hometown. It was a long journey that I would never have made if it weren’t for God putting Melani in my path and leading me to the therapist that was just right for me.