A WORD FOR TODAY..............Mutual.

Every relationship is different.
A mother and son will have a much different way of communicating than twin sisters.
Old friends meet each other on certain terms, new friends deal with one another on a different level.
Relationships grow and change with time and circumstances.
The relationship between a mother and her infant child will not look like their relationship later in life. The roles and needs of the people in those relationships might change over time. In the beginning of life, a child can not do anything for himself, so the mother must put the most energy into the relationship. The mother receives great joy from caring for her child, but the child can’t do anything in return.
The relationship changes as the child grows. As he or she gains some independence, two way communications become part of the relationship. The child can not only express his needs, but he can also give praise and thanksgiving to the caregiver.
While the parent willingly does everything necessary to care for the child, it is such a joy when that child has an active role in the relationship. Eventually, the child grows mature enough to make the relationship mutual.
Parents want to be involved in their children’s lives, the good and the bad, the ordinary and the extraordinary.
We’ve all had friends that are like the infant child. It seems like when these friends make contact, they are in need. They need a friend to listen, they need advice, or they need some sort of help. When their needs are met, they disappear again until the next time they need something.
The friendship is a one way street – one party giving constantly and the other taking. There is no real communication, no mutual enjoyment.

How often are we like that with God?
We go to Him when we have a need, seeking His mercy and His grace, but we don’t bother when things are going well. Our Father does not mind when we go to Him for help, He finds great joy in giving good gifts to His children. However, He wants to hear from us constantly – in the good times and in the bad. God hopes that our relationship with Him will grow and mature, so that we will communicate our joys as well as our fears. He wants to share in the good times, to be present in our ordinary daily existence.
It takes conversation to make relationships strong.

With God, that communication comes through prayer.

“Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.
Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 .

A child loves a parent, but in the early years they do not know how to exhibit their love or speak of it. As they grow and mature, they realize how much their parents do to keep them healthy and happy. Eventually, the relationship becomes mutual, the child giving as much back to the parent as the parent gives to the child.

In many cases, old age makes it difficult for parents to do things for themselves, the child often takes the burden. There are times that the relationship is one way – one party is unable to anything but seek help.

And God does not mind meeting our needs, He loves us and will give us every good and perfect gift.

However, it is very easy for us to get into the pattern of seeking Him only when we are in need.

Those friends who are only there seeking help may not even realize they are doing so and we don’t realize that we are ignoring God in the good times.

Paul encourages in the passage from Romans to pray faithfully – not just when we want something from God, but at all times. We know God is with us always, but He wants more than just to be in our presence. He wants to be our friend, our companion. That takes conversation, communication. It takes a life of steadfast prayer – daily, in the good times and the bad.