For the next four weeks we invite our readers to begin reading through Proverbs 3:1-35 as our reflections will be focused on the theme, Finding Wisdom Through Trusting and Obeying God. We will break for 7 weeks of Lenton focus, and then return to Proverbs 3, finishing with this passage in July.
Listen:
“Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and of people.” (Proverbs 3:3-4)
Reflect:
I am under a blanket on the sofa, cuddling my black-white dog, awake at 5 am. Night owl me who can barely talk at 7 usually. The Spirit has woken me, and I’ve been scrolling through years of Tuesdays together reflections on Lifesprings’ website. Of real life in its honest rawness and beauty, an ezer community spread worldwide, sisters known to each other by name, why, even by the cartoons they share (looking at you Audrey!).
I fiddle with three pendants I wear as I pray-read. First a heart-shaped pendant on a simple white gold chain, gifted by my husband. My wedding ring was added later, as I need bare hands for daily hand hygiene in healthcare work. Then, a cross-shaped dove from a Taizé visit, a reminder of God’s faithfulness, and when its little hook broke, a friend sent me the same dove as a gift unplanned, a wonderful surprise (looking at you, Lindsay!).
Loyalty and faithfulness literally bound around my neck, a chain light yet ever present. Not of much currency value, yet precious to my heart, a daily reminder of love, joy, peace. And as I read, I am reminded of loyal and faithful sisters (looking at you today, Caron and Michka), of many journeys Christ led us through. Finding favour with God, and with peoples in different lands. All the stories written on the tablets of our hearts, oh my heart, as I give thanks to our Father today for His deep faithfulness. May we walk onwards with Him in truth and mercy in the years to come.
Prayer of Response:
Father, thank you for the reminder of your loyalty and faithfulness, how your Word always returns to fulfill your promises in good time. Help me to bind stories lived and true around my neck, and to write them on tablets in my heart, that I may seek you and hold your hand and follow you faithfully, in the days of this new year ahead, and for all the rest of the days of my life.
Questions to Ponder:
- What story or who comes to mind when you think of loyalty and faithfulness? Take time to remember as the Spirit prompts.
- Where specifically would you like to pray for loyalty and faithfulness this week? Take time to show and tell God about it, then leave it with Christ’s gracious hands.
Breath Prayer:
Join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale (Breathe in): Lord you are faithful,
Exhale (Breathe out): Help my heart to remember.
(Repeat)
—Submitted by: Kae Ting Trouilloud
Kae lives in Lyon, France, and needs daily reminders of God’s faithfulness, through the pendants on her chain and through stories lived and true, please feel free to share a story with her! She is thankful for her family near and far and for the ezer community in Lifesprings, serving faithfully and graciously throughout the years.