I’m standing in my sweatpants and sock feet scrubbing piles of dishes, feeling incredibly alone and wondering, “Why?”

I’ve been texting several close friends and my sister today. I’ve had a good visit with a friend this morning. A couple of things have gotten canceled or postponed because of illness lately, but still.

I blame it on the cold. I blame it on being a pastor’s wife. I blame it on being a work from home mom. I blame it on living 12 hours from my family.

Then I stop short.

No. It’s a straight-up, all-out lie from hell and I’m choosing to believe it.

God loves community. He loves when we connect with him and with each other. In fact, that’s why he created us. Read Psalm 133 with me.

How wonderful and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony!
For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil
that was poured over Aaron’s head,
that ran down his beard
and onto the border of his robe.
Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon
that falls on the mountains of Zion.
And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing,
even life everlasting.

Two notes. The oil used to anoint God’s chosen priests (Aaron and family) was rich and luxurious – think of a mixture of fragrant essential oils in olive oil. Very precious. And so fragrant to everyone around.

Also, being in the Middle East, the crops of Israel were dependent not only on the rain, but also the dew. That refreshing dew coming down from the mountains watered their grapes and figs before the rainy season came. So necessary. And so restoring in the hot climate.

God loves harmony between his children.

So of course, Satan hates it. From the moment Satan first defied God in heaven, he’s been the prince of division, seeking to divide and destroy the people God loves.

I find it fascinating that all he has to say to me is, “You’re so alone. No one cares about you,” and I believe him. It doesn’t matter that someone reached out to me this very morning and asked how I am doing, and what things are challenging to me in ministry, and prayed for me.

As soon as I realized what was happening, I turned off the sink, picked up my phone, texted a thank you to my friend for reaching out to me this morning, and thanked God for the people in my life.

I’m not alone. God himself is always with me, always on my side. And he has surrounded me with people who love me. People I walk with in harmony. People I treasure like rich anointing oil and refreshing morning dew.

Believe it with me today. Even if you feel alone, God is there. And most likely, you have people close to you who love you, too. Reject that lie and thank God for the community he’s given you.