But Zerubbabel, Joshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered, “You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us.” Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Ezra 4:3-5
Loneliness and discouragement are sad sisters who usually work together. When you feel lonely, discouragement quickly follows. Sometimes you can even be busy in God’s work and find yourself discouraged. In the book of Ezra, we catch a glimpse of Satan’s strategy against God’s people. Today’s Scripture makes it clear that the devil’s plan is “to discourage the people…and make them afraid,” and “to work against them and frustrate their plans.” If the devil can, he will try to isolate you, to separate you from the rest of God’s children. Once he gets you alone, he tries to make you feel as though your efforts are wasted and your life is useless. Don’t let it happen! Stay active in a strong local church. Do your best to plug into a fellowship group or Bible study. Reach out to friends in Christ and spend time with them. It’s not just “nice”; it is vital to our survival. The author of Hebrews commands us to “encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13).
Lord, Your Word says that You are “the God who gives endurance and encouragement” (Romans 15:5). I praise You for that truth and claim it as my own today. Help me not to withdraw and isolate myself during difficult times, but rather to find a friend and to be a friend.
