Today’s #Snippet

Scripture Anchor:

“And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.”  1 Samuel 23:16 KJV

Apostolic Insight:

Solitude can restore us, whereas isolation can slowly weaken us.

David was hiding from Saul and the wilderness was not simply inconvenient; his life was under threat.

Then Jonathan came looking for him. Scripture does not tell us that Jonathan solved David’s problem, for Saul was still pursuing him.

And  the wilderness was still the wilderness, and the throne God had promised was still somewhere in the future.

But Jonathan did something deeply valuable: He strengthened David’s hand in God.

Yesterday we talked about solitude, today we need to bring balance. There are times when we need to withdraw from people, and there are also times when we have been alone long enough.

Pain can make isolation attractive, and so can disappointment.

However, sometimes we withdraw because explaining ourselves feels exhausting, or we may have been hurt and decide it is safer not to need anybody.

And sometimes, we become so accustomed to carrying our own burdens that we stop allowing anyone close enough to notice when we are struggling.

But God often ministers to us through people. He can use a trusted friend, a mature believer, a family member, someone who listens without immediately trying to fix us, or someone who reminds us of truth when our own thoughts have become tired.

Healthy relationships are part of stewardship.

We do not need everybody to have access to us, but neither were we designed to live without meaningful connection.

Notice what Jonathan did. He did not strengthen David’s dependence on Jonathan, instead, he strengthened David’s hand in God.

That is one mark of healthy spiritual companionship; the right people do not make themselves indispensable, they help us become stronger in the Lord.

Ponder This:

Have I mistaken isolation for strength?

Declaration:

■ I will value healthy, godly relationships.

■ I receive wisdom to know when I need solitude and when I need companionship.

■ I will neither give everyone unrestricted access nor shut everyone out. Hallelujah!

#PrayerOfAgreement:

Father, thank You for the people You use to strengthen us along the journey. And thank You also for giving me discernment concerning relationships.

I receive healing in the places where disappointment has caused me to withdraw unnecessarily.

I proclaim my deliverance from unhealthy dependence, and prideful independence.

Connect me with people who strengthen my hand in You, and make me that kind of person for others.

Teach me to receive companionship without making people my source.

You remain my strength, and I thank You for every trustworthy hand You use along the way.

In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, Amein.

Shalom,

Hephzibah Christly
#TheSpiritualWarrior