A Cord of Three Strands | Day 23 Freedom Season Devotional
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Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:12
And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. (NASB)
“A cord of three strands is not easily broken” is a well-known adage. This verse is actually at the tail end of a passage in Ecclesiastes chapter 4 that begins in verse 9 with the words, “Two are better than one.” There is so much simple and practical wisdom in this concept.
As God created each of the things that He filled the earth with, He proclaimed, “It is good.” Until He got to man. When he looked at Adam, He said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” He then went about creating a helper suitable for His highest creation - the being created in His own image. In His wisdom, He created them equal but different. He placed certain aspects of Himself in Adam and different aspects of Himself in Eve. Together, man and woman are an expression of who God is in the earth.
This design is carried over into most human relationships. Whether in the family, the workplace, the church or beyond, an individual can only carry so much alone. Together we bear one another’s burdens, and the load is lighter for each one. When two roommates share expenses, each is called on to contribute less and is able to retain more than if they were living alone.
There is strength in numbers. God designed us for connection - to bear one another's burdens and to stand together in unity. When our relationships are forged around Him, our combined strength becomes a force that is not easily taken down. We really are stronger together. In marriages, friendships and partnerships, relationships that are grounded with God as the third strand are fortified by His presence.
Reflection: Who are the godly people in your life who strengthen you? Are there relationships in your life that need to be strengthened by including God as the third strand?
Prayer: Father, thank You for the people who walk with me. Teach me how to find a healthy balance in my relationships so that we are mutually beneficial to one another. Show us how to walk alongside one another as You designed us to. Amen.