Day 16 - Relating in Faithfulness

“Your faithfulness continues throughout generations; You established the earth, and it stands.”
​Psalm 119:90

Meditate or Reflect
There are few things in life that we can count on with regularity and consistency: the sun comes up every morning, the stars are out every night, and most importantly God is ever present. The verse for today is a truth we can rely on – God has always been, and He always will be present.  He is faithful. We have a God who will never leave us, nor abandon us. This is the most perfectly faithful relationship you can ever have. Faithfulness is a promise, it is devotion. When we think of our personal relationships, we have all been wounded by others and we have inflicted wounds, whether intentional or unintentional wounds. We are imperfect people. However, our striving in relationship should be devotion, to keep our promises, and to not abandon others – especially in a time of need. We are called to be faithful people. Take a breath and think of relationships where you have experienced faithfulness – knowing you could count on another’s presence or devotion to you?  Reflect on the faithfulness of God and let His faithfulness be a model. Recall to your mind the many ways God has been faithful to you – a fortress, a shield, a refuge (Psalm 144: 2).
 
Thoughts and Behaviors
Turn to your thoughts and behaviors. Are your thoughts and behaviors consistently faithful, keeping promises, or inconsistent and prone to wander?  Consider the verse from Psalm 119: 90 and reflect on these questions with the Spirit’s help: 

• Are you relating to God with faithfulness? Seeking Him every day and spending time with Him? What changes can you make? 
• Are you relating to yourself in faithfulness? Or do you give up on yourself easily – not waiting to see what God will do with you and for you? What changes can you make? 
• Are you relating to others in faithfulness, keeping commitments or promises?  Or do you find it challenging to be present for others, and ultimately abandoning commitments? What changes can you make?  If faithfulness is a challenge for relating with others, begin by praying for how to engage them.
• Are others relating to you with faithfulness? Relationships are mutual and take the effort of both people to make it work in good faith.  If you find that some people do not keep their promise, or have abandoned you from time to time, this may be a relationship that should give you pause to consider your options for relating to someone who does not show up faithfully for the relationship, and set new boundaries. 

 
Flourishing and Protecting
So much has changed in the past few decades. Careers, social media, the entertainment industry, the hospitality industry, all of it, has normalized a fast-paced rhythm – too fast. A fast pace leaves little time for depth in relationships: rushing to the next event, we can scarcely scratch the surface level of relationship. Faithfulness takes time. Without the investment of time in relationship, we can feel abandoned or neglected, unseen.  If you find yourself in a relationship where you feel abandoned or unseen, without the faithful presence of your trusted friend it may be time to evaluate the relationship – is it one-sided?  Have a dialogue, seek outside help or advice, and hope and pray for change.  However, if change isn’t happening, then it may be time to create new boundaries. Also, search your heart, mind, and soul to see where you may be lacking in commitment, devotion, faithfulness in your relationships, and make any changes that could improve your part in a relationship.
 
Faithfulness in relationship takes time and effort, and a desire to be committed and present for others. Faithfulness flourishes when we are committed to the care of each other’s soul, when we reflect the faithfulness of God in us – like a strong and steady anchor.  Take a breath and reflect on the faithfulness of God– He has always been present with you– meet Him in this moment.  Also, express your gratitude for the relationships where you experience faithfulness in commitment and devotion, and pray for those who struggle with faithfulness.