Who Sticks Closer Than God?

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Happy Monday, Music Lovers! Get ready to stand up and praise God as you listen to my Music Monday selection from Shirley Caesar (featuring Anthony Hamilton) entitled “It’s Alright, It’s Ok.”

Its lyrics are simple, but the message is profound. No matter what you’re going through in life, you’re never alone. Even if your friends disappear, your spouse leaves, your children question you, and you feel lost, remember that you are NOT alone.

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. ~ Proverbs 18:24

As humans with limited understanding and empathy, we can’t always handle your stuff. Most times, we can’t even handle our own stuff, so bearing the weight of your relationship struggles along with our own is too much, so we bolt. Believe it or not, it’s normal. Human beings weren’t created to be everywhere, all-knowing , and all-powerful. So, cut us all a little slack. Deifying our friends and family is unfair; they’ll never be able to achieve that standard. If they could, there would be no room for God. There would be no need to look to the hills, to fall on our knees, or to lay our burdens down. There would never be a reason to ask, seek, or knock (Matthew 7:7).

For those who are still on the fence or are a little lost right now, know that your struggles are temporary. Even those who love the Lord, go to church, and pray all day will suffer.  You can’t do anything on Earth to prevent suffering. It’s inevitable. Without the peace and assurance of God’s love, however, your struggles may seem insurmountable. My prayer today is for all of us to take steps today to get to know Him better.

Try these three action steps:

  • Read the word of God daily. There are apps for that. Even a verse each day is helpful.
  • Go to church. Don’t have a ride? Watch online or on TV.
  • Join a bible study. If you live in my area, our Women’s Ministry is starting a new one on 10/8. Yours truly is facilitating again this year. <3

Since God woke you up this morning, he has work for you to do. If you’re not sure what it is, trust that he’ll reveal it to you.  Have a marvelous Monday and a wonderful week!

 

Published by Principle Michelle

Principle Michelle is a middle school leader, master teacher, and a Certified Parent Empowerment Coach. She currently resides in the Washington D.C. area where she serves kids and their parents who have entrusted her to help them navigate the middle years. Principle Michelle loves "the middle" -- it's the place where the rubber meets the road. Kids in middle school are at a pivotal stage in their lives, and they can go left or right. Because this is where God positioned her, she gets to direct and guide middle school students in the way that they should go. She also enjoys helping families build strong biblical foundations by offering them strategies, resources, and tools to help them to train up their kids and to build the life God intended.

36 Thoughts

  5. Hope you are enjoying your week so far. I love the positive message being setn here and the motivation to seek God. Sometimes, I will come across a Bible verse while reading something online and it gives me amazing strength and changes my day for the better.

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  10. Wonderful message! I often lament not having a bunch of friends when I see folks out and about having fun with their people, but I do have a friend… a great one… Thank you for sharing. Big Anthony Hamilton fan too!

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    1. I definitely feel ya, Sis. I’m an only child living far from home, and my circle of friends is very small. I take comfort in knowing that I have a friend in Jesus. <3

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  12. Put your trust who in God and not in humans! I have learned that in life and I completely trust Him.

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    1. Amen! It’s unfair to our friends and family to put our complete trust in them. As humans, we fail. As a result, we disappoint those we love. Thanks for stopping by, LaQuisha. <3

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  15. Oh wow. I needed this TODAY!
    We as humans, especially me, spend time trying to fix all and be all. What is the purpose of God if we are able to handle everything? I love your three simple tips to remain connected and appreciate your word!

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    1. Thanks for chiming in, Pump. I truly appreciate this connection. My prayer (as I pen these posts) is that these words will find those who need them most. Love your site, by the way. <3

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  16. Very encouraging, Michelle! It is so true that even as a Believer, you may still experience hard times or suffering. But you can’t lose your faith! I like your tips to read the Word daily, go to church and join a Bible study. I go to church regularly and read the Word. I have my moments when I am feeling low, but I still muster I pray. I am completely honest with God and will say “I am hurting right now” or “I am upset about…” so this my prayer… I have found when I am very honest with myself and God, it is still a strong prayer because I am staying connected with Him. Love this post!

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    1. Thanks so much, Jennifer. You get it. It’s so important to stay connected to God — even when we’re not hurting. He wants us to draw near to him. Thanks for the beautiful feedback. <3

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