relationships (Psalm 119:25-32) Relationship-Building Secrets

(Psalm 119:25-32) 

25 My soul clings to the dust;

     Revive me according to Your word.
26 I have told of my ways, and You have answered me;
     Teach me Your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts,
     And I will meditate on Your wonders.
28 My soul weeps because of grief;
     Strengthen me according to Your word.
29 Remove the false way from me,
     And graciously grant me Your Law.
30 I have chosen the faithful way;
     I have placed Your judgments before me.
31 I cling to Your testimonies;
     Lord, do not put me to shame!
32 I shall run the way of Your commandments,
     For You will enlarge my heart.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Our faith in the Lord and our consistent walk with Him will be indicative of how faithful we will be towards our jobs, friends, family, church family, and a spouse.  While our obedience in God's commandments are good, it is more about our persistent pursuit in growing closer to the Lord.  

I realize the irony here, that to have healthy relationships with people, we need a healthy relationship with Jesus, so now we will use the example of a healthy relationship with a human!  And only because it seems more familiar, I will liken this to a marriage.  Not just one that survives many years, but one that thrives, because the couple knows "the secret".  Well, it shouldn't be a secret, not for a marriage, and certainly not for one's Christianity.

Many people will claim that the secret to a healthy, long lasting marriage is communication, but, people can "communicate" until they are blue in the face and not get anywhere.  In fact, things can very quickly unravel - IF - one doesn't understand HOW to communicate.  But let's start with the essentials.  A husband and wife should be aligned in the direction they are going to take in life, not just the "where", but the "how" and the "why", which is why it is so critical that a believer marries another believer.  

Everything starts with unconditional love, which is not based on feelings.  It is a decision, that you will love the other person no matter what, because we all will still make mistakes.  Although, like verse 27 points out, we should keep in mind the positive things.  Dwelling on the negatives will only help divide and destroy.  Therefore, as quickly as possible, if we have done or said anything wrong, we should apologize, whether the other person forgives or not;  and if we have been wronged, we should forgive, whether the other person apologizes or not.  But you see the brilliance in this, when both are putting this into practice!

The other "secret" is to give 100%, with the mindset of serving, rather than getting.  Again, it is pure brilliance when both are doing this!  Both receive 100%, and both are being served, with unconditional love.  Teamwork!  But the most brilliant thing is when a couple has God leading and equipping them in all things!  This actually means "teamwork" with you, your spouse and the Lord!  It is so very easy, yet difficult because it comes down to our commitment in pursuing the Lord and His will.

Our decision to become a believer happens only once, but in our relationship with the Lord, we have a multitude of continuous decisions to make.  When we do things God's way, we will experience the most beautiful teamwork EVER!  "The secret" is to seek out constant and continuous communication, which is to daily read and study His word, and to pray... as if Jesus were right there with us, because, well, HE IS!!!  He is faithful, and always right there, and always reaching out to us, we just have to remember to take His hand, and know and trust that He's got this!  

In the Lord, through His word, and His Holy Spirit's guidance, we will be revived, strengthen and equipped.  We can have a positive outlook on what God has done, does and will do in order experience comfort, peace and joy.  And our hearts will continually be "enlarged" in God's unconditional love!  A pure, decisive love that will overflow to all of those around us!