I share these sentiments by King David about God’s faithful ones. One of my “greatest pleasures” during the course of this pandemic has been to “be with them” virtually online. When I was in lockdown for months at a time, communicating and commiserating with my fellow followers of Christ through emails and social media would often be the highlight of my days. The spiritual bonds we share with each other allow us to minister to each other in life-enriching ways.

Elsewhere in the Psalms, David says: “I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.” (Psalm 101:6 NLT) David was constantly on the lookout for people who were faithful to the Lord, and who would be faithful to him. He spent most of his life surrounded by treacherous people who betrayed him and meant him harm. Some of these enemies were his own loved ones. I like how the Passion Translation says: “My innermost circle will only be those whom I know are pure and godly. They will be the only ones I allow to minister to me.” (Psalm 101:6 TPT) If David – and even Jesus – were very careful about who they let into their innermost circle, shouldn’t you and I be, too?

It gives me great comfort to know that I have brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world who share my deep love and devotion to the Lord. Even though I will never meet most of them on this earth, it brings me great joy to think that we will all be together in Heaven for all eternity. When it feels like the whole world is against us, you and I can console each other with the truth that this life here on earth is not all there is for us – and that, in fact, the best is yet to come!

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to search for faithful followers of Yours to be my companions. I pray that my innermost circle will only consist of those who are above reproach in Your sight. Help me to choose only godly people to minister to me, and to advise and counsel me. Thank You for surrounding me with those who are faithful to You and to me!