Relationship Anatomy
There are many complex and moving parts to each relationship that I have. I have friends that I’ve known for years that I can pick up wherever we left off. I have friends that live close by that I see on a weekly basis. There are friends that I hardly ever see anymore, and our friendship was based more on proximity than depth. I have friends who know my deepest struggles and I have friends who know hardly anything about my personal life. At the end of the day, my friendships go as deep as I’m willing to invest and willing to be vulnerable. Outward appearances can be deceiving. I’m profoundly thankful for my friendship with my wife and children. I’m thankful to be friends with most all of my family. I’m thankful for friends whom I work with day to day. My mom used to remind me as a kid, if you want good friends, you need to be a good friend. That was wise counsel then and it still rings true today.
The Lord knows me like no one else and He still loves me. My relationship with Him is the essence of the gospel. He has drenched me with grace because I need it. He has forgiven me multiple times because I need it. I don’t deserve His friendship, but I’m forever grateful for it.
I read the 23rdPsalm this morning and saw something that I had not noticed before. David starts the Psalm talking “about” the Lord and then in verse 4 he begins talking to the Lord. Check this out….
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever. (Psalm 23:1-6 NLT)
This made me think about the anatomy or structure of my relationship with the Lord. I want to talk to Him, but there are times that I need to talk about Him. I have never really noticed this structure before today. I know that the Lord is with me. I know that He has never left, even if it “feels” like He’s far away. I am so thankful that He & I pick up right where we left off. I’m thankful that “when I’ve lost me, He knew where I left me”. He is my closest Friend and Confidant. He gives me profound wisdom and guidance. He gives me advise on all other relationships and in every situation. My relationship anatomy/structure with the Lord is simple – He’s Lord of everything and I surrender all I am and all I have to Him. That is the relationship anatomy that was His design in the first place.
Pressing On!
Dwayne