18 June: Tuesday Refocus

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” - Proverbs 27:6

Every person has been wounded in relationship. This is a part of life in a fallen world: necessary things intended for our good and flourishing have been distorted and warped by sin. I believe it is not the wound of a friend that leaves a scar, but the unwillingness to be so committed to those we love that we are willing to speak the truth in love and walk alongside one another for the long haul that leaves us grieved and groaning.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend. Faithful.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:12-15

Father, in your grace, would you make us the kinds of friends who are faithful in our wounds, amen.

Amen,

AB

March 31: Tuesday Refocus

Good and upright is the LORD;

therefore He instructs the sinners in the way.

He leads the humble in what is right,

and teaches the humble His way.

All the paths of the LORD are steadfast

love and faithfulness,

for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.

Psalm 25:8-10

I can search out my own way and find it only leads to death (Prov 14:12). Or I can follow His narrow road and run in the way of steadfast love and mercy. On this narrow road, He leads, and He teaches, He goes before, He comes behind, and He walks beside.

For Your name’s sake, O LORD,

pardon my guilt, for it is great.

Who is the man who fears the LORD?

Him will He instruct in the way that He should choose.

His soul shall abide in well-being,

and His offspring shall inherit the land.

The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear Him,

and He makes known to them His covenant.

My eyes are ever toward the LORD

for He will pluck my feet out of the net.

Psalm 25:11-18

My guilt is great but it holds no hope against the steadfast love and mercy of God (Lam 3:22). I know the way of the Lord always leads to the kind of life I truly seek. A life where I abide in well-being, enjoy His friendship, know His ways, and look toward Him - my Rescuer.

God, thank You that Your Word is true. Teach us Your ways that we may walk in Your truth, help us know Your friendship, Your mercy, and Your kindness. In Christ’s name, amen.

Walking,

AB