Fearing God from A to Z

C is for Communicate

Growing up, my cousin and I were the best of friends - for one or two weekends each summer. I looked forward to us visiting, laughing, and spending time together at family picnics. I considered us close friends in heart, though we lived on opposite ends of the state.

Last fall I saw her for the first time in over 25 years. We hadn't even talked or emailed. That can happen when we move away, lose touch, and pursue different dreams. After two and a half decades we didn't have much to talk about. She had recently retired, has grandchildren. I have grandchildren too. Small talk, surface talk. The camaraderie of the past was a distant memory.

Relationships, like gardens, require nurturing to flourish. The friendships we neglect tend to wither away. The same holds true in our friendship with Jesus. That's why Scripture highlights the importance of communication - keeping in touch.

Our three children are grown with homes and families of their own. Still, I like 
to hear from them. Phone calls, even short ones, come in like sunshine. My 
days go better when I hear from them once a week. (more is fine but less, not so much.)  

The fear of the Lord is strengthened by close communion. One of God's top complaints against His people,Israel, is that they "forgot Him days without number" (Jer. 2:32) Just living their lives, too busy to talk to God and read 
His Word. Too distracted to ask for God's wise counsel. What about us? Do we think we can handle life's challenges for the most part? When things get out of hand, is that when we remember to pray and memorize a few Scriptures? 

If people were made to be basically self-reliant, why does God tell us to pray nonstop? (1 Thessalonians 5:17) The Lord wants us to keep in touch all the time, not just when we have time. 

C is for communicate, one of the building blocks of fearing Him. We need His wisdom more than we realize. Talk, pray, listen, write to Him in our journal. 
Like us, He loves to hear from His children.