One of the challenges of faith today is the rise of an individualistic way of life. More and more people are content with an entirely personal faith experience: online worship without real involvement, a faith life that lacks depth, even the belief that the journey of faith can be traveled alone & without community, without commitment, without the presence of one another. Disillusionment with the church, preoccupation with personal matters, or the feeling of not needing others, are the reasons often expressed. However, it is in our solitude that we often become vulnerable. Faith that is disconnected from the community easily weakens, and God's love in others slowly loses its power. The Word of God through Psalm 119 reminds us that a life of fellowship is not just a complement to faith, but a necessity that keeps us steadfast in the face of the challenges of the times.

In Psalm 119:51-64, the psalmist experienced it himself. He lived in the midst of mockery, scorned by those who forsook the word of God. The psalmist describes the situation of a small group of people who remained faithful under social pressure. He implies a dilemma that occurs between faithfulness to the word and the temptation to conform to the values, principles and will of the majority of people that are often incompatible with His word. The psalmist could have retreated and lived a solitary life, but he chose to build spiritual solidarity. He said: "I am a friend to all who fear you, and to those who keep your commandments" (v. 63). This kind of social support fosters resilience, strengthens morality, and can reduce stress. This is because faith is better nurtured when we connect with others of like faith and vision.

Friends of the Bible, today's devotional invites us to evaluate the way we live out our faith. Are we still walking alone when God provides community to sustain us? The church is not a collection of perfect people, but a fellowship of people who rely on His grace together. It is in this kind of community that the psalmist testifies, "The earth is full of your steadfast love, O Lord" (v. 64). When we walk together, our faith is strengthened, our hope is affirmed, and God's love becomes evident through the presence of the people He has placed around us. If you have been at a point of disillusionment with the community of faith and are reluctant to live in the fellowship of God's people, let us return to the call to live in fellowship that sustains, builds up, and affirms one another. Believe that our life of fellowship will grow and bear fruit if it is powered by God's steadfast love that never leaves His people.