Reliability - Emily

Reliability. Knowing this was the topic of the chapter I was thinking ahead of time that yes, I am mostly reliable in my dealings with others. But of course, Mary's Scripture for the chapter is more direct "The heart of her HUSBAND trusts in her" Pr 31:11 - Ok, well, sadly I think I'm not as reliable to him as I desire to be.  I often break my word to my husband and especially to God. Thankfully God is always forgiving to true repentance and hubby is very forgiving most of the time too.

Mary says (pg 204) "People yearn to have friends that are as loyal, reliable, and trustworthy." Being created in God's image of fellowship we all have this longing - The thing that comes to mind here is that hubby and I are each other's best friend, doesn't that call me to an even higher standard of loyalty, etc? I think so. But often I can let the demands/distractions of the here and now get in my way of fulfilling what I told him I would do. I know he gets disappointed when I do not honor my word (who wouldn't?) His desires should be the first on my 'lists' (after God's of course).

Mary also mentions the use of words on the bottom of pg 204 - Sadly, I often catch myself using "my" more than "our" :-(  An area I really need to humble myself in.

I like the mental picture she offers that a covenant is a framework. As though it's the structure a healthy relationship is built around. Jesus is our foundation and faithfulness the 'bones' of our house. And the whole paragraph there about how faithful God is - leaves me awestruck at His goodness. Especially 2 Tim 2:13 "If we are faithless, he remains faithful"

And the truth that the Spirit is present in our covenant union. Talking about the nations of Israel Mary says "When they were unfaithful to each other they were unfaithful to God" ... then on the next page "When we are faithful to a covenant we put God on display" Wow. So often I guess I am just thinking about myself.... and not even accounting for the greater picture involved here.

Oh words. God is a silent witness to our every word. Some days I pray for a holy button on my trap because I know I'm going to need it ;-)  Matt 5:37 is written up on our fridge right now because God has shown me that is a key area of my parenting that needs work but it also transcends into all other areas. I'm a woman. I like to talk. But really, I am asking for an overflow of God's Spirit and discernment to help me control my mouth. I want to be known for quality conversation more than lots of idle chatter. I want my words to count for eternity.

Heavenly Father, I ask that You would draw near to each of us over this weekend and reveal more of your closeness to us, giving us a better understanding of how present you really are in all the things we say and do. Amen.