“He who walks with the wise grows wise…” (Prov. 13:20, NIV).
Tell me who your closest friends are, and I will tell you who you are becoming. This verse from Proverbs is spelling out for us the Law of Association. This law dictates that we will, unfailingly, become increasingly like those who are our main source of friendship.
What if we take that law, and we apply it to our relationship with the King of the universe? It works!! If you will allow Him to become your closest Friend, you will find yourself internalizing and reflecting His character in ever increasing measure.
For the purposes of today’s devo, I specifically want to point out that this will mean developing exceptional emotional stability. God is the most emotionally steady companion you could ever spend time with. The more you are around Him, the more serene, even, and secure you will grow to be. His nature will become integrated into yours.
Let’s take a look at a few verses that describe His steadfast emotional strength:
- “He will not falter or be discouraged…” (Isa. 42:4a, NIV). Jesus never gets disheartened. He never vacillates between some days of relative cheerfulness and others of listless despondency. When He considers the future, He does not falter, waver, or cringe. He always rejoices! The more we abide in His presence, the more His ever-present encouragement will work its way into the fabric of our being.
- “…He does not get tired or weary…” (Isa. 40:28d, NET). Nothing tires Him out. Because He is infinite in resource, no matter how much energy He expends, that expenditure never makes even a dent in how much He has left. This means that when you and I are exhausted, we can sink into His everlasting arms and recharge. Imagine your soul as a battery settling into its charger port. The current filling your spirit with new power is Daddy’s measureless supply of mercy, love, tenderness, and sheer delight. In this way, His emotional strength will become more and more your own, as you make His embrace your permanent refuge.
- “In Your presence is fullness of joy…” (Ps. 16:11b, NKJV). Why is there fullness of joy in His presence? Because He is full of joy! As John Piper says, He is an infinitely happy God*. His soul is an ocean of contentment and pleasure, and He invites us to immerse ourselves in it. He beckons us to swim in His delight, to soak in its profundity, to drink of it to our hearts’ satiation. The deeper we go into friendship with Him, the more joyful fruit will spring up from the depths of our own spirits as well.
Are you in need of greater emotional stability in your life? Walk with the Wisest of the wise. At His right hand are pleasures forevermore. Enjoy sweet fellowship with the Rock of Ages. As you do so, He will teach you the constancy of His ways. Little by little you will find that “everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40, NIV).
*John Piper, https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-happiness-of-god-foundation-for-christian-hedonism
Feeding On Jesus 
What an incredible ministry you have, dearest Jennifer. Your words never fail touch on the very heart of a matter and bring the encouraging, wise word needed in that very moment. Abba is so very proud of you!
I agree with you wholeheartedly about who we associate ourselves with. I shared a quote recently that I loved; “People inspire you, or they drain you – pick them wisely. – Hans Hansen” It speaks to the truth of what you point out – we really do become who we spend the most time with.
Isn’t the love and comfort of God amazing? I don’t know about you, but in those very real moments of life when I simply wanted to give up, God would swoop in and wrap those loving arms so tightly around me. The tangible, loving but powerful presence of God is unlike anything else in this whole world. It’s what makes religion so dead; when we discover how alive relationship with the Lord really is!
I am sharing this powerful message my friend. It’s perfect, especially now during this season we’re in where so many feel so afraid. 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so blessed that you “happened” to find this post! I just picked it, four days ago, for recording for one of my next audio devos. I record them three at a time usually. So, I’ll be reposting this next week with the audio to go with it. You selecting this one, out of so many others, is yet another hug from Jesus! Speaking of hugs, it made me smile to read your words about Him swooping in to wrap you up, because when I was reading your post, “You weren’t born to be perfect, but real,” I got a picture in my spirit of Him doing exactly that for you. It was pretty tangible! And now I’m reading this. How beautiful He is! I believe He wants to give you an extra hug even now if you close your eyes and focus on receiving it ❤ <3. (Btw, did my comment go through on that post? I was having Internet difficulty and wasn't able to get confirmation that it did).
LikeLiked by 1 person