Monday, June 1, 2026

Bible in a Year: Exodus 5-8 | Romans 10

Genesis 2:18a
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.”

After God made Adam, we learn that something is “not good.” Prior to this we hear God pronounce his creation as “good” or “very good.” So what makes being alone not good?

As an introvert with five children, the thought of being alone sounds pretty darn good to me. However, God wanted to find the perfect partner for Adam, so he created a bunch of animals and paraded them in front of the man (Genesis 2:19-20). Yet in spite of these wonders of creation, there was still no helper “just right” for Adam. So God went back to work to provide the solution.

Genesis 2:21-22
So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.

God created the ideal partner for Adam - a helper, companion, and equal. God brought her to Adam, and Adam celebrated when he was introduced to the woman (Genesis 2:23).

Genesis 2 shows us that humankind was designed to be in relationship with God and other humans. For many, this relationship is partially filled by marriage, but one person isn’t enough to meet all our relational needs. We need a supportive group of friends and family to do that.

It’s tempting to view people as obstacles. Relationships are messy and draining. People interrupt our plans and disrupt our schedules. Yet, part of God’s purpose for our lives is found in these connections.

When those we care about come to us with “bids” for our time, or what psychologists call “small requests for connection,” our first impulse should not be to dismiss them, but to acknowledge them. Sometimes that means telling someone you will follow through with them later, but other times, what we’re doing has to take a backseat. When we embrace the person in front of us, any void we may be feeling begins to fill, and in turn, we help fill their void as well.

Longing to be known is part of God’s design for our lives, and other people are the solution.

Questions:
Who in your life helps fill the relational void?

When “interrupted” by a bid for a relationship, what is your first response?

Next Steps:
The next time someone comes to you with a bid for relationship, acknowledge that desire and either set aside what you are doing or promise to follow through later - and do it.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the people you have placed in my life. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to love and serve those around me. I pray that I remember that people are the point. They are part of your perfect design. I pray I never make people feel like they are less important than the jobs I have to do. Amen

Series Theme Verse:

Galatians 5:13
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

This post was written by Julie Mabus, a Whitehouse attendee and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.