We are concluding the second half of our Crisis Management for the Believer series (you can catch up here if you are new to this series or you have missed anything), exploring practical, godly responses to life’s storms. So far, we have seen prayer anchor us, serving others shift our focus, giving thanks reframe our hearts, getting alone with God’s Word steady our steps, memorizing Scripture fix our minds, and clarifying responsibility free us to trust God’s limits. Today, we take a seventh step: spending time with other godly people. In a crisis, isolation tempts us, but God has given us the local church for our good. Let us unpack why this matters and how to lean on God’s people.

The Apostle Paul writes, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). God has designed the local church as a family – brothers and sisters who help carry what feels impossible alone. God’s plan for His family is for us to never suffer alone. In the ups and downs of a crisis, the support from God’s people, our family members, becomes essential. So how do we embrace this gift when life overwhelms us? Let us think it through together.

The Lure of Isolation

In a crisis – regardless of the type – our instinct often leans toward withdrawal. The weight feels too heavy to share, or we fear burdening others. At times, I have felt this pull myself – retreating to wrestle alone, where sadly, only to find the load heavier in silence. You have possibly experienced the same thing yourself. Yet Scripture warns against this: “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment” (Proverbs 18:1).
Isolation starves us of biblical fellowship which helps strengthen us. In a crisis, we need others – not to fix everything, but to remind us of God’s presence and promises. They remind us we are not in it alone. The local church is God’s provision – a community where burdens are shared and not shouldered alone.

The Gift of the Local Church

God has graciously given us the body of Christ for our good. Galatians 6:1-5 balances personal responsibility (“each one shall bear his own load”) with communal support (“bear one another’s burdens”). In the ebb and flow of life, good times and bad, with its ups and downs, the local church stands as a lifeline. Other believers pray when our words fail, encourage when our hope wanes, and serve when our strength falters.

Consider a crisis like a health struggle. You may pray and memorize Scripture, but a church family brings meals, visits, or provides a listening ear, while making the impossible feel doable. Or think of a broader crisis, like a natural disaster. The church rallies – offering shelter, aid, or simply presence – easing the weight through the shared love of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together.” This is not mere duty; it is God’s design for endurance. When facing the pressures of suffering, the Apostle Peter explained to those of us in the church, “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins” (1 Pet 4:8).

The Strength of Togetherness

Here is the beauty: time with godly people does not just lighten the load – it transforms us. Solomon so wisely explains, “A threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Eccl 4:12). Alone, we fray; together, we hold fast. As a pastor of a loving and caring local congregation where the family of God takes this responsibility very seriously, I have seen many, many times – friends who prayed the psalms with one seemingly cannot, or a small group who served a family when they were spent, as well as the church lift those crushed by grief, reminding them they are not alone.

In counseling others, sadly, I have also seen those not connected to God’s people. Contrast their experience with those who are connected to God’s family. They had no one to lean on and often felt alone. Isolation breeds despair and distorts truth, but godly community anchors us in God’s faithfulness. Their words echo the Scriptures we have memorized; their service reflects the love we have practiced. Together, we endure.

A Step Forward

Here is your challenge: reach out today to spend time with godly people in your local church. As we have encouraged with other steps, start small if the crisis feels big. Call a friend to pray together. Join a small group. Attend a church service, even if it is hard to show up. Share a need – perhaps a worry you need to release, or a step you need to take – and let others bear it with you. If you are not connected to a church, ask God to help you find one. (If you live in or around this area, I know of one you can try – Sonrise.) Try Galatians 6:2 or Hebrews 10:24-25 as a prayer to spur you on. Watch how God uses His people to strengthen you.

Next time, we will reflect on how these steps—prayer, service, thanksgiving, the Word, memorization, discernment, and community—equip us to face any crisis with hope. For now, take this step. Who is one person you can connect with today? Or, if someone has especially blessed you in the past, share it in the comments or on social media. I would love to rejoice with you as you lean on God’s people.