Relationships are important to me. We probably all start out thinking about what the relationship can do for us.  Babies cry when their needs aren’t met. Toddlers have tantrums when their needs aren’t met. Teenagers sulk or rebel when their needs aren’t met. Adults have a variety of defensive strategies when their needs aren’t met.   It’s our default mode, otherwise known as selfish or sinful nature.

Rom. 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (NASB)

The Lord teaches us in Philippians 2:3 that we are to consider others as more important than ourselves* and, of course, the love chapter, I Corinthians 13, says it’s not about us. The Bible is full of commands to love others. 

*Phil. 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; NASB

I know that healthy relationships have to be balanced but I also know I have my feelings to deal with.  I need help so I call on God. He generally tells me to get my eyes off me, but He also comforts me. He’s perfect.

From the journal . . . . April 1990

I was insecure about a friend relationship and feeling very insignificant.  I gave the relationship back to God and reminded myself that I needed to trust God with it.

And I Believe God Said:

Yes. Of course.  You always need to trust Me.  Don’t fret.  I can use every hurt you bear. Your relationships are valuable tools in making you more like Me.  You aren’t unique in the situations that occur, but you are unique to Me.  I can use you because you turn to Me.  You trust the love I have for you, so you are able to share your hurts with Me.  I am your best friend. That’s as it should be.  You know that you don’t have to compete for My love.  I can be the best friend to millions without it taking one iota away from you.  I told you that you are to love the one you’re with.

 It reminds me of what I said at Bible study that my best friend is the one I’m with.

Yes – receive their love in the same way.  Don’t be possessive of it or jealous.  Just enjoy it and receive it for that time.

Thank you, Lord.  That word was filtered somehow and very mixed with my own thinking.

  Don’t let that throw you.  Receive it from Me. It is I.

Jesus, Jesus.  What a wonder You are! I recognize You in the Catherine Marshall book and I recognize You in the Word.  Ha. That’s funny, You are the Word.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. NIV

Lord, I love You.  I just happened to read Is. 52:6 * You ended it by saying:  

It is I! 

* Isaiah 52:6 Therefore My people shall know My name; Therefore they shall know in that day That I am He who speaks: ‘Behold, it is I.’ ” NKJV