"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." Ecclesiastes 9:9-10 NIV

We often take pride in being able to handle our problems without outside help. When we carry our burdens alone, we feel self-sufficient and strong. But it depends on the load how wise it is to try to manage on our own. Too much weight on the shoulders bends the spine.

Almost every heavy burden is lighter when the weight is shared with a friend. God placed people in our lives so that we could encourage, strengthen, and uplift one another. When we invite someone to walk the road of hardship or suffering with us, hand in hand, both parties are blessed. But when we walk alone, there's no one to help us up when we fall down.

God made us to be in community with one another; in relationship with him and with other believers. Sometimes we're blessed with parents, best friends, or spouses who can be our support system when the need arises. They help us achieve what we never could on our own.

Today, celebrate the special friendships that God has brought into your life. Thank those who are always there to help you get back on your feet when you stumble and fall. And if you are trying to carry the load alone, look around for someone who can help you share the weight. God is always available, but he often uses people to be his voice and hands. Don't be too proud (or too ashamed) to ask for help. "Two are better than one."

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world any longer, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2 NIV

It's not a new problem. Every generation has faced it on some level or another. How do we live in our culture without allowing it to influence our thoughts and behaviors to be contrary to the Word of God?

We can't escape the messages that are sent to us every day through the various forms of media or through the people that we live and work with. Satan has successfully worked to erode the Christian principles that were once foundational to our country. On every side we are assualted by sexuality, materialism and greed, and the philosophy of pursuing personal pleasure at all costs.

The only way to counteract this influence is to be grounded in the truth. If you know the truth, you can easily recognize the false ideas that are trying to creep into your thinking. Spending time in prayer and in reading the Bible are the keys to spiritual transformation. Willpower is not enough. There needs to be a personal invitation for the Holy Spirit to renew your mind daily.

Jesus spoke to each of these philosophies: "anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart," (Matt. 5:28); "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven..." (Matt. 6:19-20); "Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matt. 10:38-39).

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." II Cor. 1:3-4 NIV

No one understands where you are in life like someone who's been there before. When it seems you're all alone struggling through your trials, it's amazing how much comfort it brings just to hear someone say, "I understand. I've been there." It doesn't really change anything, but somehow it helps.

When we find ourselves in pits of deep emotion, whether grief or fear or heartache, we can always turn to God for solace. He is "the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort." He is pleased to wrap his arms around us, listen to our story, and hold us while we cry. He finds joy in wiping away our tears and giving us strength to face another day.

God comforts us because he loves us, but also "so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received from God." The moment will come when you will be able to say, "I know just how you feel. And God pulled me through."

The struggles we face have the potential to make us stronger and wiser, but they can also prepare us to be the arms of God holding someone else in need.