Today’s scripture: Isaiah 33:1-16 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Linda Bernabie):
As I labored through the book of Isaiah, I am reminded of God’s love of all people of faith. God repeatedly helps the faithful through trying times. What would my life be without God’s love and the love of my friends helping me out?
At the age of seven I met (what was to become) my best friend. It didn’t take long for us to become close buddies, “BFF’s”. Even at my young age I knew I had met a protector and confidant. My new friend accepted me for who I was, even with all of my faults. My friend gave me emotional support, and was always there for me.
As I merged into the pre-teens I found my friend becoming more important to me. I felt empty if we didn’t have our daily “chats”. After all, I solved my problems easier if there was a friendly ear listening and guiding me through life. Sometimes I just wanted the closeness and love that my friend offered me.
Then, out of nowhere, I became a rebellious teenager and decided I no longer needed my “childhood friend”. After all, I was grown up! That BFF stuff is silly. I thought of myself as an adult who could go it alone. Sadly, while going it alone, my friend would reach out to me, but I was too busy with “life” to be bothered.
We finally reconnected when I was married and my husband and I adopted a child. I wanted my friend to be part of my child’s life. I wanted my child to have the same bond I had with my friend…only better, stronger, and never ending. I wanted the daily conversations we had many years ago. I missed my friend!
We have continued our relationship for most of my adult life. That doesn’t mean I have always listened, and unfortunately, not listening usually ends badly for me. But I always know that all I have to do it reach out and my friend will be there. My life would be empty without my “Friend”?
Oh! I should have mentioned, my friend has many names: God, The Maker, Yahweh, Abba, Creator, Jesus, Lord, Savior, Redeemer, etc. but the most important name to me is “Friend”.
Quote for the Day: When my friend Jesus and I work together we are invincible!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.