Companionship

Companionship is God’s Heartbeat for Mankind

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From the beginning of time, God prioritised companionship for every living thing He created. Every creature had another of its kind to cohabit with. In addition, the law of multiplication was in place to ensure that they multiply, increase in number and form colonies where they can stay together and enjoy each other’s company. But for man - Adam…….? Let’s read Genesis 2:18-23 (NIV): The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” [...] But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 07 e n b y E n i h S o n e

The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.”” This scripture has often been used to emphasise the marriage union of a man and a woman, and rightly so. However, in this article I want to use it to highlight God’s ability to see our needs and create what we need for our benefit. The Lord saw that it was not good for man to be alone. Knowing the importance of companionship, He made provision for man to have a companion after His likeness – a suitable companion. He did not end at creating woman, but He also blessed them with the ability to multiply (procreate-Gen 1:28) so that humanity will not be restricted to a man and a woman only, but have many men and women to

interact with and to enjoy sweet relationships with. In my home, I can relate to the need for companionship firsthand. I am a mom of an only child who constantly tells me that he is lonely. He desperately longs for siblings with whom he can relate on a different level from his mum and dad. He often says he is unfortunate not to have brothers and sisters like other families he knows, and his question is ‘why?’ It breaks my heart to see him go through this, but I have learnt to teach him faith in God and gratitude to God for what he already has. So, I understand when God looked at Adam and saw that though he had everything, he needed companionship of his own kind. Though my son has parents who love him, he wants siblings, children like himself to play with. Unlike my son, Adam did not know his need. God made provision for something He would desperately need in future. God created the world and put all its wonders in place with us in mind. Such a loving Father. God knows our needs and He is on the lookout to provide what we desperately need to enjoy life here on earth. During this lockdown, with the restrictions of no socialising or being stuck away in some unknown country or city due to travel restrictions, many have felt the value of companionship and now appreciate the times they had with their loved ones, which have become as rare as gold. In a new way, I have learnt to appreciate the fact that God has given us the ability to be fruitful and multiply so that today we enjoy the companionship of wives, husbands, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandmothers, grandfathers, friends, colleagues, etc. Many have suffered loneliness during this lockdown which has led to serious emotional and mental issues because it is not good for man to be alone. So, join me in praising the Lord God Almighty who knows what we need and made provision for it since the beginning of time. Eve brought Adam exceeding joy. The Lord will bring people into your life who will be suitable companions as you walk life’s journey. You were never meant to be alone - married or single.

Let’s pray!

Lord, thank you for your love for me in that you do not want me to be lonely. Thank you for my family and friends whom I have the privilege of having as my companions in life. Lord, reach out to those who have lost loved ones in life and during this hard season. You understand the void in their hearts like you did for Adam. Send them new companions. Thank you for creating companions, for companionship is your heartbeat for mankind.