Verse 9-12 reminds us that we all need community. We all need people we can depend on and trust. Notice that community does not mean that we are free from problems. If you notice the bad things still happen- it mentions that one falls down. The difference is not that life doesn't get hard, it is that we don't have to do it alone. When I fall down someone else is there to help pick me up. When someone else falls I can be the one to extend my hand and help them up.
There are two important things to remember based on these verses that can be a challenge.
1.) Be willing to accept help. How many people would fall down, but not tell anyone? How many people would fall down and tell those around them that you will be fine and I will get myself up. We must be willing to receive the help of others as God brings them into our lives. (While at the same time taking personal responsibility for what we need to do to stand up).
2.) We can't merely be takers, we must also be willing to give help to others. While it is hard for some people to ask for help, for others it is hard to offer help. We sometimes feel like our lives will be easier if we just mind our own business. It is easier if I don't offer to help. We need to look out for others. We need to extend the hand to help them up. Sometimes we simply need to be willing to warn them of the dangers ahead of them on the path they are walking. In the relationship described here it is having each other's backs and sharing in life's ups and downs together.
Do you have a friend who you can count on in times of trouble? Is there someone who knows beyond a doubt they can count on you when they are in need?