Here is a picture I painted of the Geelong foreshore. Families love to congregate there and soak up the sun and sea while hanging out together. It’s a picture of belonging. God laid this one on my heart for you all for several months prior to this showing.
As you watch people talking and eating together there it reminds me of the importance of strong friendships and community. I think there’s a need to develop better quality relationships that endure the test of time and difficulties faced.
Covid-times have brought isolation and can lead to despair and withdrawal which is not healthy. Our sense of connection and belonging is tested.
I am reminded of king David and Jonathan, son of Saul we read about in 1 Samuel chapter 18 and 23 verse 16. Their friendship endured despite facing extreme pressures Jonathan knew God had chosen David to be king.
Jonathan saw David defeat Goliath and the way he carried himself and was convinced of his calling to be king. So, Jonathan loved David despite being next in line to inherit the throne of his own father, King Saul, and his many attempts to kill David. And even though he had little in common with David, both in terms of his standing and age, Jonathon bonded powerfully to help him.
This bond enabled David to find strength in God to endure his sufferings.
This kind of friendship is also reflected in the strong complementary colours I have used in my picture. See how the darker sea blues and oranges accentuate their individual colour intensity and vibrancy. For me they symbolise a deeper message God is speaking in this hour to our nation.
God is wanting us to form deep covenantal relationships among his disciples so he can accomplish his greater kingdom purposes. He will help us transcend our natural limitations to bond deeply with others clearly called of God.
You can belong. In 1 Samuel chapter 18 it says, “God knit Jonathan’s heart to David’s heart” after David defeated Goliath. David knew he fought God’s battle and was God’s man. His vertical relationship was right with God translating into horizontal relationships like glue, by the spirit’s power.
God can help us bond supernaturally and beat any negativity we may face through these powerful relationships. And I sense God wants to say to someone reading this article that, “This message is for you specifically.
I feel God’s spirit is highlighting the date July 17 for some reason as an important date in your life or also it’s someone you know and is for them. He is leading you to knit hearts. New friends and a sense of I-belong.” Bless you!