Reflections by the Pond
November 12, 2003

Giving Thanks, Part Two
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A Close, Intimate Friend

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 2:24 kjv

God's creation of the institution we know as marriage was pure genius. Its invention was right up there with God's concept of sending the Holy Spirit to dwell within each believer as a counselor, guide, and conduit from His mind. Marriage between a man and a woman is not only a type of the relationship Christ has with the church, but it is an eminently practical idea that mirrors in flesh Christ's prayer to the Father during His few remaining hours on earth:

"I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one... The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me." John 17:15,22-23 nasbu

The relationship of a husband or wife living with his or her spouse is a pretty good illustration of the intimate relationship God enjoys with every believer. Like a live-in spouse, He requires no formal notification of changes, joys and sorrows, frustrations; He needs no time to learn more about a person, so as to better interpret their condition; He need not travel from a distant location when His presence is required for an emergency. God is always present, and intimately knowledgable about every one of His children.

Like the respective members of a venerable marriage, God is ever-present in our lives. Two people on a first date will talk for hours, telling each other about their history, their feelings, their ambitions and dreams. But two people who have been married for fifty years can cover the same ground with little more than a sideways glance. Each possesses a deep, visceral understanding of the other's life. They share the same skin. And as with a long-time spouse, explanations and long conversations are unnecessary with the Lord: He just knows.

The believer can give thanks for the tender mercies of a God who not only cares, but who cares with an intimate knowledge about even the smallest facet of his or her life.

For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother's womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.
Psalm 139:13-18 nasbu