From the beginning of creation God designed us all to crave and cultivate connection. From the connection between us and the Creator, to the connection between us and each other, to even the connection between us and nature, the simple fact is everything needs connection. Man was strategically wired for connection and without it we simply cease to thrive.

So connection is essential for our survival. Our longevity and well-being is absolutely dependent upon it.

This is why when we run from God or His plans for our life we become disconnected from everything that seems relevant. We wander like the lost soul that we are trying to fill our hollow space with other connections that won’t sustain us and here is why.

First and foremost, we must have a meaningful connection and relationship with our Creator. Because God loved us so much, He gave His only begotten Son to die for us. That’s why Jesus hung on a cross, suspended between heaven and earth, to become the ultimate connection for all mankind.

Yet God doesn’t want us to only have a relationship with us, He wants us to also have connections with each other. In fact His Word states “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9) When we have meaningful social ties, we enhance our emotional health, increase our empathy, and provide a practical support system that is literally tangible. These strong and close connections help reduce our stress levels and our anxiety by increasing our self-worth and our daily support system.

Proverbs 27:17 says “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

The right connections will set you on a path toward productivity and fulfillment in this life. “But woe to the man who falls and has no one to help him get back up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:10) Though sometimes we fall and feel like giving up, it will be these special connections that keep us moving forward.

I really like the chorus of Shawn Mendes’ song “In My Blood.”

It says “Help me, it’s like the walls are caving in, Sometimes I feel like giving up, No medicine is strong enough, Someone help me, I’m crawling in my skin. Sometimes I feel like giving up, But I just can’t – It isn’t in my blood! It isn’t in my blood! I need somebody now. Someone to help me out.”

So many times in life we just get tired and want to quit. But it isn’t in my Belyeu blood to ever give up! I know if we are going to make it through this crazy chaos called “life” we are going to need each other to lean on. We need each other. And I hope to be that connection for my family and friends as well.

These strong social connections within our families and communities create more supportive environments which foster a sense of belonging and help us believe in our self-worth too. That’s why we have to crave and cultivate healthy relationships our whole lives to always keep us connected to our Creator, our family and friends and also our communities. Trust me, it matters who you are connected too.