file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940120.TXT
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          OUR DAILY BREAD                      Thursday, January 20, 1994
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          READ:  Psalm 63

                                A MATURE RELATIONSHIP

                           Because You have been my help,
                therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
                                    --Psalm 63:7

          Moments  of silence are often awkward in a new relationship,  but
          not  when that relationship has matured over the  years.  When  I
          first  dated  Ginny, to whom I've been married for more  than  50
          years,  we both felt ill at ease during rare periods of  silence.
          But  not  today.  We  are  comfortable  being  together   without
          speaking, whether riding in a car or relaxing in our recliners at
          home.  It's  as if an inaudible communication is going  on.  Each
          feels  good  about the other being nearby.  Each  feels  free  to
          speak or not to speak.

          I  believe David had come to this place in his relationship  with
          God.  While  in  the  wilderness fleeing from  the  army  of  his
          rebellious  son, he said to the Lord, "My lips shall praise  You"
          (Ps. 63:3).  But he also spoke of remembering God, meditating  on
          Him,  and rejoicing in the shadow of His wings (vv.6-8).  He  was
          content just to think about Him and enjoy His presence.

          As  we grow in our relationship with God, we experience the  same
          kind  of closeness -- sometimes  talking,  sometimes  meditating,
          sometimes feeling surges of gratitude.  And even when absorbed in
          earthly  pursuits, we feel a quiet inner freedom to speak or  not
          to speak with Him, knowing that He is always there.

          Author:  Herbert Vander Lugt

                          What joy and comfort we can know
                              When Jesus comes to dine!
                         He brings the fullness of His love
                               And fellowship divine.
                                        --JDB

          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
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          A mature relationship with God brings freedom and joy.

          THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Job 14-17

          
          








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