As the rain and snow

“When David and his men came to Ziklag, the Amalekites had… overcome Ziklag, burned it with fire, and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They killed no one, but carried them off and went their way... David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep. David’s two wives also had been taken captive, Ahinoam… and Abigail… And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God…

“So David set out, and the six hundred men who were with him, and they came to the brook Besor… David pursued, he and four hundred men. Two hundred stayed behind, who were too exhausted to cross the brook Besor…

“And David struck [the Amalekites] down from twilight until the evening of the next day, and not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men, who mounted camels and fled. David recovered all that [they] had taken, and David rescued his two wives. Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken. David brought back all… 

“‘As his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike…’ When David came to Ziklag, he sent part of the spoil to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, ‘Here is a present from the spoil of the enemies of the Lord.'” 1 Samuel 30:1-2,4-6,9-10,17-19,24-24,26

David, the loyal warrior, was crushed to discover the Amalekites’ raid on his city and capture of everyone there, including his wives. Devastated and heart-wrenched out of love for his own, he was targeted for blame and stoning by bitter fellow sufferers. Drawing strength in the Lord, he pursued and overtook the enemy, retrieving all who’d been taken.

Jesus knows and loves His own by name, and when we’re taken captive by the enemy, He grieves over our captivity, far-country wandering, and rebellion. Many blame Him for their painful loss, the harsh consequences of sin, or their loved ones’ foolish enslavement, but He does not waver from His holy purpose of redemption. Made of mercy and compelled by love, He pursues His own to return us to Himself. And when He does, all who have been a part rejoice together for the lost who has been found. (Luke 15:3-7,10,31-32)

Have we thanked Jesus today for rescuing us from sin’s captivity? Out of gratitude, where have we joined His rescue mission for the lost? We may practically pursue through friendship, teaching, or on-hands ministry, or join the battle by prayer or resource support. Everyone willing and on His side can participate in His efficient, saving work and the praise and joyful fellowship that follows.

When moved by the death sentence that hangs over the lost, how will we respond? Fueled by love and compassion, we can join Jesus in relentless quest for His children in our part of a needy world.

Father, awaken me to the lost around me, break my heart with what breaks Yours. Include me with You in irresistible pursuit, that Your grace abound and love is magnified.

“May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
    May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary
    and give you support from Zion!
May he remember all your offerings
    and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! 

May he grant you your heart’s desire
    and fulfill all your plans!
May we shout for joy over your salvation,
    and in the name of our God set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!

Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;
    he will answer him from his holy heaven
    with the saving might of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
They collapse and fall,
    but we rise and stand upright.

O Lord, save the king!
    May he answer us when we call.” Psalm 20

May the Lord answer. May His name protect. May He send help. May He give support. May He remember all your offerings and regard them with favor. May He grant your heart’s desire and fulfill your plans. May He? Of course He may! He owns gracious permission to do what He exists to do. Can He? Indeed He can! He is able to do exceedingly beyond what we ask or imagine, to make all grace and favor abound to His people. Does He? Let’s shout a resounding Yes! We know He saves. He does and will answer from heaven. His name is undeniably, absolutely trustworthy. He does all this and we can shout for joy over His salvation and extol His name! (2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 3:20)

So if these things are true, and this plea is a pledge of blessing pronounced in God-backed promise, why do we not live as though we believe it? Why do we moan ‘woe is me’ and claim God absent, or silent? Why do we fret over the known and fear the unknown and wrangle to ascertain help from earthly resources? Why do we languish in charity and sacrifice, or wrestle for control over today and the future? Lack of faith leads to doubt-filled decisions lead to instability in spirit and daily routine.

Will we sing these blessed truths over ourselves in prayer, and rise in hope and zealous faith? How measures our holy expectation regarding His name’s power to save and protect? What evidence are we giving- in demeanor, discussions, decisions, and practical action- that the Lord has answered our cries and is fulfilling our plans?

And over whom can we pronounce this blessing, and pray for its wash of favor? Do we take enough time to learn of others’ needs, and understand their weaknesses, doubts, and fears? How attentive are we to speak or write these benedictions and so to match truth’s balm to each particular condition with benevolence and care? The gracious God who is kind to meet us enables us to minister His solid graces to others.

Lord, keep me steeped in Your truths and singing of Your innumerable blessings, that I might impart hope and the salve of truth to a needy world.

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from evil.*” Matthew 6:5-13

*some manuscripts add For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Communion with God through Christ is a gift to all believers, made possible by the rent veil. When we settle into rote prayers comprised of list-checking, we lose the sweetness of thoughtful, genuine communion to sour ‘samey’ mantras of verbiage void of meaning. Repetition may come easily and give some obsessive sense of a task accomplished, but what it holds in memorized words or routine phrases it lacks in significance and substance. (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19-22)

Perhaps we’ve moved from benign rote repetitions to recitation, taking hold of Scripturally-based, well-honed prayers of others. While these are helpful in giving form and focus, especially as Jesus exemplified, they are models, and not meant to become meaningless. Taking deliberation to personalize them helps deepen our pleas before a God who knows our minds, hearts, and needs.

Real is patterning prayer after Jesus in breath-taking worship, heart-wrenching confession, agonizing intercession, blood-sweating dependence, and soul-captivating submission. Are these our prayer companions? Real is enthrallment with Him, so that every word whispered or voiced thereafter is heaven-inspired and infused with His hallowed majesty. Real is repentance emblazoned with holy light and fire. Real is seeking and surrendering to God’s high will over my lowly passions. Real is determined dependence on His daily provision for body and soul, for practical and emotional, for goods and grace. And real ties everything into Jesus, for He is the sole way to God and most worthy of our praise and trust.

Have we reverted from initial fire in prayer to fading embers? Does prayer even have a primary place in our spiritual disciplines? What saps our holy passion or attention to get in secret and lift ourselves to connect with the Almighty, and what can we do about it? How willing are we to take the steps necessary to deepen and persevere to the heights of communion with Christ?

Good Father, reignite my affections and mind for Thee. Keep me persevering in the work and worship of prayer, to the building of Your kingdom and praise of Your glory. In Jesus’s name, amen.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation;
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
    of whom shall I be afraid?

When evildoers assail me
    to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
    it is they who stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me,
    my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
    yet I will be confident.

One thing have I asked of the Lord,
    that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
    and to inquire in his temple.

For he will hide me in his shelter
    in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
    he will lift me high upon a rock.

And now my head shall be lifted up
    above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
    sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
    be gracious to me and answer me!
You have said, ‘Seek my face.’
My heart says to you,
    ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.’
   Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
    O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
    O God of my salvation!..

Teach me your way, O Lord,
    and lead me on a level path
    because of my enemies…
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living!” Psalm 27:1-9,11,13

David is pursued and pelted by enemy assailants, but he’s not overcome by their dark press. David deals with trouble as necessary, but his priority is to gaze at, hold onto, and sing of the light that is his God. Every opponent, every onslaught, pales into the background as he focuses on his one thing: dwelling with his Lord every waking moment, beholding His beautiful face in intimate communion. It is here he develops the wisdom, strength, discernment, and resolve to face his world.

We get pressured by many things that rob attention from the one that is vital. Work and financial responsibilities, maintenance of material goods, petty grievances and irritations with people and politics: each requires some attention, but none foremost. Jesus realigned frenzied Martha by directing her to sit, gaze, and listen. (Luke 10:38-42)

What duties to manage, or enemies to contend with, have mustered out of focus what’s most important? All these are in place as instruments for a higher knowing of Him in the midst. Where need we realign priorities of perception, focus, and time in order to seek God’s face?

“O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.” ~Helen Howarth Lemmel (1922)

Lord, train me to focus my energies and sight to look upon You, so the perspective of all else is framed and understood by Your glory and grace.

“Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3

“The righteous flourish like the palm tree
    and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
They are planted in the house of the Lord;
    they flourish in the courts of our God.
They still bear fruit in old age;
    they are ever full of sap and green.” Psalm 92:12-14

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
    whose trust is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by water,
    that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
    for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
    for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

An unseasonably cool breeze mingles with the gurgling soothe of a waterfall in the day’s early. Blue green balls hold fast to lofty spruce arms, nascent and strong. Fresh greeting becomes fresh energizing in summer’s wane. After long-stretched and soaked hot, day in after day out, it’s the afternoon rains that have nourished everything to ongoing vitality. Even the birds chat happily.

Seasons come and go, as do years. Roots bud then stretch and tunnel, spreading far and deep in nourishing soil, and holding strong in occasional drought. They absorb enough to send shoots up through the earth to reach skyward, year after year to stretch taller and wider. To be green at summer’s end is to have steadily drunk in rain, absorbing its needed nourishment to last through occasional times of drought.

For the Christian, to remain green year in, year out, and through harshest hottest times, we also need to take in truth, grace, and wisdom. We must be planted firmly by streams of living water for satiety through droughts of direction, or hope. It is God’s living word that brings righteousness, teaches trust, and effects flourishing. He satisfies and nourishes into old age. (John 4:14; 7:38)

How have we been sapped by the season’s heat? Are we drained of empathy toward others, short on patience, bereft of love? Are we spending our affection and attention in the right, life-giving places, or are we constantly drained of energy and will to do the next right thing? Where have we allowed apathy or lethargy to triumph over spiritual hunger and zeal? What changes might we need to make to addictive habits, however ‘benign,’ to spend more thought and energy on what produces spiritual fruit in us and others?

“Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain;
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.

In the cross, in the cross,
  Be my glory ever;
From the cross my ransomed soul
    Nothing then shall sever.” ~Fanny Crosby (1869)

Father, keep me drinking from You always, and bearing fresh fruit in every season.

“You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
    your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
    none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
    yet they are more than can be told.

In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,
    but you have given me an open ear.
Burnt offering and sin offering
    you have not required.
Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come;
    in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
I delight to do your will, O my God;
    your law is within my heart.’

I have told the glad news of deliverance
    in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips,
    as you know, O Lord.
I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
    I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
    from the great congregation.” Psalm 40:5-10

Cotton-puffed cerulean sky makes for a sanctuary vaulting to eternity. Lush meadows sprawl to the edge of piney woods, and frilly wildflowers pop color, tickled by a tiny, intricate butterfly. Closer still, grass blades gracefully stand, gently swaying to the music of fresh beauty and crisp air, captivating the soul’s senses. Wondrous is the creative handiwork of God.

And multiplied are His thoughts! His creation came about by exquisite, careful design, and is sustained by sensible order. The making and moving of men is according to benevolent, purposeful, redemptive thought on the part of the Sovereign. He cares about us, reasons with us, and keeps us in His mind always. Vast is the sum of His thoughts, and precious! (Psalm 8:3-5; 139:1-6,17-18; Isaiah 1:18; Colossians 1:16-17)

Captivated with wonder at our incomparable, immeasurable God, and His innumerable deeds and thoughts, how can we, in humble praise, return His bounty? What if we would do the same? What if we trained ourselves to set aside impulse and thoughtless deeds, to delay reacting to people and situations, in order to think first? What could distinguish our outlook and demeanor if we took time to contemplate the Almighty and His wondrous ways? If we thought through and endeavored how to multiply them in speech and actions, how would our industry and interactions change?

And whom do we hold in our hearts? Whom do we pursue, to whom do we proclaim the glad news of His deliverance? How and where do we speak of His faithfulness and salvation, bringing comfort, hope, and a sense of value to those who are alone, in pain, or needing direction? It is our highest privilege, as recipients of God’s manifold grace and gifts, to pass them on freely, lavishly. (Philippians 1:7a)

When we meditate on His word and works among men, we recognize the Lord’s attributes and the worthiness of our obedience and devotion to Him. We cannot help but love His perfections and delight in His will. We will gladly speak of His faithfulness and practice our salvation with relevance and passion. What evidence of awe and delight do I portray in practical living?

Good Father, fill me with holy wonder and gladness. Multiply my thoughts of You and deeds that bring You glory.

“When David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel… to meet King Saul with tambourines, songs of joy, and musical instruments… [singing],

“’Saul has struck down his thousands,
    and David his ten thousands.’

“And Saul eyed David from that day on… afraid of David because the Lord was with him... So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand… And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him. And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him…

“So Saul was David’s enemy continually… And Saul spoke to Jonathan and to all his servants, that they should kill David.” 1 Samuel 18:6-7,9,12-15,29; 19:1

“It happened, late one afternoon, David… saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful… So David sent messengers and took [Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah], and she came to him, and he lay with her… And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, ‘I am pregnant.’

“So David sent word to Joab, ‘Send me Uriah the Hittite…’ Uriah said to David, ‘The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Shall I then go to my house, to eat and drink and lie with my wife?..’

“In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by Uriah... ‘Set Uriah in the forefront of the hardest fighting, and then draw back from him, that he may be struck down, and die.’ And as Joab was besieging the city, he assigned Uriah to the place where he knew there were valiant men. The men of the city came out and fought with Joab, and some of the servants of David… fell. Uriah the Hittite also died…

“These are the names of the mighty men whom David had:.. Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.” 2 Samuel 11:1-6,11,14-17; 23:8,39

David knew what it was to be an innocent victim of the one in power- he’d been hunted by the viciously jealous King Saul for years. Yet, clawed himself by the deceitful talons of frantic lust, and bleeding with unstoppable sin upon sin, the very one unjustly targeted now set his target on an innocent, unknowing rival. Having salaciously impregnated Uriah’s wife, David sought to eliminate his paramour’s faithful husband, a loyal elite of his mighty men.

The enemy is a heinous liar. Let his foot in the door, the monster grows, and we’re trapped. The fear of being exposed for what we desperately want to conceal stokes the fury and fire of repeated folly. Sin distorts thinking and entangles actions to heap plot upon hideous plot to the ruin of those around us. Concentric circles of fallout can’t be contained. (Proverbs 6:34; John 8:44; Romans 7:15-20; 8:28; 1 Peter 2:11)

What sin have we coddled into habit? Is there unchecked fury we fuel by bitterness, jealousy, or pride? Untamed gossip, gluttony, or lust? How has it frozen our heart, or seeped into language, demeanor, or destructive action? Only by God’s grace can the flesh be thwarted, and consequences softened and used in mercy for ultimate good. (Romans 8:28; 1 Peter 2:11)

Lord, stop sin in its tracks, that I might be pure and single-minded for You.

“Transgression speaks to the wicked
    deep in his heart;
there is no fear of God
    before his eyes.
For he flatters himself in his own eyes
    that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit;
    he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
He plots trouble while on his bed;
    he sets himself in a way that is not good;
    he does not reject evil.

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,
    your faithfulness to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
    your judgments are like the great deep;
    man and beast you save, O Lord.

How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
    The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house,
    and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
    in your light do we see light.

Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
    and your righteousness to the upright of heart!
Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me,
    nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
There the evildoers lie fallen;
    they are thrust down, unable to rise.” Psalm 36

The psalmist is no idealist but a realist. He knows the truth about evil and deceit, and he knows his God. He understands the depravity of one who worships self and fears not God, and the link between blind self-flattery and cruel action. As he sees that deep and hidden the sin of the wicked, God’s judgments are deeper still, and His goodness immeasurably higher. His eyes pierce the most deceived impression, His love and faithfulness reach the deepest sin and lift their bearer unto the merciful heights of salvation.

Evil makes for hideous barrenness, while children of God delight in divine abundance in the fountain of life. Evildoers are thrust down, the righteous are upright of heart. Where there is no fear of God, wickedness and trouble mingle as thankless companions, but children of God have safe refuge in His love. The contrast is stark, and carries warning: guard against the enticements and deceit of pride and the world’s favors. How so? Seize the offer of great comfort: remain in the Light for sight of God’s good way. (John 8:12)

Do we perceive evil as just a paltry idea with horns that has no bearing on us, or the insidious, forceful reality it is? How appropriately, and deeply, do we fear God in His holiness, perfection, jealousy for His own, and wrath against sin? (Exodus 20:5; 34:14; Isaiah 42:8)

“Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all;
we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
and wither and perish but naught changeth thee.” ~Walter C. Smith (1867)

Lord, help me daily discern the contrasts before me, and always choose to fear, love, obey, and worship You.

“He has besieged and enveloped me
    with bitterness and tribulation;
he has made me dwell in darkness…
He has walled me about so that I cannot escape;
    he has made my chains heavy;
though I call and cry for help,
    he shuts out my prayer;
he has blocked my ways with blocks of stones…

I have become the laughingstock of all peoples,
    the object of their taunts all day long.
He has filled me with bitterness;
    he has sated me with wormwood.

He has made my teeth grind on gravel,
    and made me cower in ashes;
my soul is bereft of peace;
    I have forgotten what happiness is…

Remember my affliction and my wanderings,
    the wormwood and the gall!
My soul continually remembers it
    and is bowed down within me.
But this I call to mind,
    and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul,
    ‘therefore I will hope in him.’

The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
    to the soul who seeks him.
It is good that one should wait quietly
    for the salvation of the Lord…
For the Lord will not
    cast off forever,
but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion
    according to the abundance of his steadfast love;
for he does not afflict from his heart
    or grieve the children of men…
Is it not from the mouth of the Most High
    that good and bad come?..
Let us test and examine our ways,
    and return to the Lord!
Let us lift up our hearts and hands
    to God in heaven…

I called on your name, O Lord,
    from the depths of the pit;
you heard my plea, ‘Do not close
    your ear to my cry for help!’
You came near when I called on you;
    you said, ‘Do not fear!’

You have taken up my cause, O Lord;
    you have redeemed my life.” Lamentations 3:5-9,14-17,19-26,31-33,38,40-41,55-58

In the invisible under the dirt, all is closed in, dank, and fruitless. But here, hunger and destitution and darkness do their work. Could it be any worse? Is there no hope? Well I ever breathe freely again? Does God hear? In these places of impossibility, God’s attributes are revealed, His ways are learned, and fresh mercies await. Bitter with affliction, bereft of peace, there are true truths we can call to mind that stoke God’s steadfast love. Our place of pleading becomes a greenhouse for hope. (Jonah 2:1-9; 2 Corinthians 12:9)

In waiting, and through grief, God’s compassion flourishes. In spiritual and relational hunger, He is magnified as our Portion. Every divinely-controlled atmosphere of sorrow and season of seeking affords new insights into His purposes, and time to examine our ways. Instead of resisting every hardship, would we ask what He intends to teach? How regularly do we recall past lessons, and look to learn again? Where have we experienced the Lord’s mercy or personal love that we could not have other than through tribulation? What fresh mercies, grace, and sincere love now bloom from us to others?

Gracious Father, cause me to grow and flourish in both the good and bad You’ve ordered for my life. Make me pure in the deepest places, and vibrant in praise of You.

“Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
    be not envious of wrongdoers!
For they will soon fade like the grass
    and wither like the green herb.

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
    dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.*
Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
    Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil…
Those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land…
and delight themselves in abundant peace…

The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
    when he delights in his way;
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
    for the Lord upholds his hand…
[The righteous] is ever lending generously,
    and his children become a blessing.

Turn away from evil and do good;
    so shall you dwell forever.
The Lord… will not forsake his saints…

The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
    and his tongue speaks justice.
The law of his God is in his heart;
    his steps do not slip.” Psalm 37:1-9,11,23-24,26-28a,30-31

*Or and feed on faithfulness, or and find safe pasture

To fret not takes a deliberate turning to proceed in another direction, opening up a world of emotional and spiritual color. To befriend faithfulness takes intention and effort, and includes knowing what to invest in and what to set aside. As with any friendship, there are stages of introduction, familiarity, and rich knowing that uncover the beauties and bring forth the far-reaching benefits of such intimacy. Befriending faithfulness reaps great reward.

What does faithfulness look like in everyday living? A friend of faithfulness does not gossip, confessing a brother or sister’s sins behind their back, but holds its tongue, or says only what is useful for building up. It is faithful to serve willingly and cheerfully as needs arise, with kindness and compassion. It is faithful to pray for leaders, to encourage them with spiritual and practical support. Faithfulness at work means arriving promptly, doing that work heartily as unto the Lord, employing the mind, talent, and energy that God has entrusted to us. Faithfulness in our communities is consistent ordering of our lives under respectful authority and unselfishly toward our neighbor. In all things and everywhere it is to honor Him, prefer others, and contribute to the greater good. (Proverbs 11:12-13; Ephesians 4:11-16,29; 5:15-17; Philippians 2:3-4; Colossians 3:23; Romans 13:1-2; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25)

What and whom are we choosing to befriend? When and how do we delight in the Lord, and deliberately commit to Him our ways? How patiently do we wait, and consistently do we walk? How might we bless others today to spread the divine friendship?

If we are fretting- by comparison with others and worry over tomorrow- we’ve lost touch with faithfulness. They cannot coexist. Nurturing communion with our faithful God, and maintaining as faithful our hearts and hands according to His revealed will, not only guards us from the folly of fretting, but fills us to bear fruit for His glory. Which will it be?

Father, in every choice, may I befriend You and remain faithful to who You are in me and to all You have called me to be.