This house just isn’t big enough! I need a man cave to be alone for a while.   Or perhaps you’re thinking, I definitely need a craft room where I can lose myself in creating.

Being alone for a while is not the same as for those who may be experiencing desperate loneliness. With the rate of suicide seeming to increase as it is often in our news, my thoughts wander to what the Bible says to us.

Right in the beginning scripture states: “God said it wasn’t good for man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18) This, of course is when Eve was created, for companionship to ease the loneliness of his solitude.

Is it normal or natural to need time for yourself? Absolutely. Mindfulness. Yoga. Deep breathing. Meditation. All of those practices and more can take us within to connect with the Holy Spirit stirring inside.

The NBA Championship game, the World Series, the Super Bowl viewed from the big screen in your man cave. Paint, yarn, sewing notions, hodge podge glue, glitter, ribbon, scissors, all sorted and scattered across your work table. Pastimes you enjoy on your own are A-ok, but knowing the community of believers await you is comfort and one of God’s many suggestions for us.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another¬ and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24–25 NIV).”

Time within your congregation will allow you to feel surrounded by others who can encourage you, love you, share time with you. A community of like-minded believers can perhaps be just what you need to feel God’s unconditional love for you.

Originally posted by Jill in August 2018