KEEP THEM CLOSER 03242025
961 Words
March 24, 2025
1:18am
"Keep them closer."
I haven’t forgotten, but the exhaustion yesterday, Lord, was truly unmatched. If there’s one thing that stood out to me on Sunday, it was playing badminton and the preaching about Restoration. So many things happened that day. There were moments of waiting that were tested, but it was worth it. There were some ups and downs during lunch, but I managed to get through it all. Every day feels like an intense battle, Lord, and I can’t even count how many times I’ve fallen only to rise again, but I won’t give up on what You want to happen in my life. Help me, Lord, as I face the challenges I’m going through. Some people know about them, while others don’t. I trust You more with what’s happening in my life right now, Lord, and through this, I know I can improve myself even further, especially when I overcome people who don’t seem to care about me. At times, our struggles are just about individual concerns. It’s tough, Lord, because there might be moments when I’m not listening to others and only focusing on my own concerns. But I really want to keep my friends closer—friends who are ready to listen, correct, give, and support me wherever I am in life right now. I hope I can be the same for them. I don’t want to ask for anything in return for what I give them, but I believe that what I give to others will be mirrored back to me. I pray that my responses will always be positive, Lord. I don’t want to be bothered by the unexpected and wrong actions of others. I want You, Lord, to be superior in my life, not my own self.
Ephesians 3:20
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
It’s always critical to choose carefully, especially when it comes to picking friends. You can’t easily assess right away whether someone is good or not. I pray, Lord, that You grant me the gift of a discerning spirit so I can quickly recognize if a person is good or not. At the same time, I don’t want to become overly critical in judging others. I want to remain as natural as I am, staying friendly with everyone. It hurts to be betrayed, but even if it reaches that point, I don’t mind—I only want to keep You and the peace You’ve given me, Lord. Enemies are always there to attack us at any moment and any time. It’s tough, Lord, because I might reach a point where I become overly cautious to avoid sinning, but I know You are always watching to see if we’re still living by Your Word every day. It’s exhausting to keep thinking about people I thought were okay with me, only to realize later that I didn’t know they were going through their own struggles, and I ended up being dragged into their decision to cut me off. I don’t want to worry anymore, Lord, about people who don’t care about me. I don’t want to feel bitter or resentful toward them for what they’re doing to me now. I just want to keep and maintain the relationships I still have. I want to stick with the people who celebrate me and stay away from those who destroy me. Why is it like that, Lord? Some people are in our lives for a purpose or reason, some are seasonal, and others are for a lifetime. I believe those with a purpose can become either lifetime or seasonal people in our lives. But there are times when people who have a purpose or reason in our lives are just passing through—they’re only there when you need something, like they appear only when there’s a pressing need. Once their purpose is served, they’re gone. Sometimes, they might be the ones who teach us lessons in life, like teachers. Seasonal people, on the other hand, stay in our lives for a while, but there will come a time when You call them, Lord, to a greater purpose or a different location for their specific assignment. There are also seasonal people who might have been close to you at first but later drift apart or, in some cases, something unpleasant happens. Lifetime people are naturally partners in life, like spouses or even our own families. They can also be people outside of family who become lifetime friends, like covenant partners, mentors, and even accountability partners. Though accountability partners can sometimes be seasonal or purpose-driven friends. Whoever is present in my life right now, Lord, I ask that You bless them abundantly. I may not reward them with material things, but I truly give them my time so they feel appreciated and honored. I leave it to You, Lord, to reward them for what they’re doing for me. You know them better than I do, and You know exactly what they need daily. Always give them a reason, Lord, not to give up on You, and I hope I can be an example to them so they don’t give up on life and the salvation You’ve given us. I pray, Lord, for favor upon favor in their life journey, and wherever they are now, may they always feel Your love, Lord. Let there always be a hunger and thirst for You in wherever they go, and may they always be grateful to You, Lord, for whatever they’re going through in life. Protect them always, Lord, just as You have been protecting me up to now. I LOVE YOU JESUS❤️
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