James 2:23 (NLT)
And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God.
Scripture refers to Abraham as the father of our faith. He blazed the trail for us to understand what true confidence in God is, despite the odds being stacked against us. But God also called Abraham His friend. An alternate word given for friend in the Strong’s dictionary is companion. Abraham was God’s companion.
The Merriam-Webster tells us that “Companion is a familiar word for one that joins or accompanies another, whether on a journey or in the journey of life. Companion comes from ‘panis’, the Latin word for bread. Originally, the word was used to describe someone with whom you share a meal.”
1 John 1:3b (NLT)
…our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.
God gave me a dream once that left me with a deeper understanding of the importance of staying in companionship with Him. The setting of the dream was a tranquil countryside. There were these rolling, green hills and the only dwelling was one little flat-roofed house – the kind of house you would find in ancient Israel. It was a beautiful sunshine day. The house was white with a doorway, but no door, and with window openings, but no windows. A small distance away there was a river that was in flood, so the flow of water was very strong. I was inside the house with a father and a son. We were seated around a little table, chatting and having a wonderful time. Our relationship was friendly and very close. I felt so at peace.
Suddenly there was a great commotion outside, close to the river. I decided I needed to go there and started to leave the little white house. The father and son called to me to stay but I ignored them and ran outside towards the commotion. Before I even got there I realized it was a trap and I saw how a demonic spirit was coming straight for me. The danger was great. Holy Spirit appeared in front of me and urged me to run back to the house. This time I obeyed and turned on my heel. The evil spirit was still trying to get to me but Holy Spirit was hindering it and standing in its way in order to give me enough time to get back to the house. I ran back into the house and was immediately safe again.
Just then I was allowed a bird’s eye view of the river. In the river I saw a large sheep trying to keep its head above the water. It was in serious trouble, battling against the flow of the river. My heart filled with compassion and I wanted to save it. But instead the evil spirit came and started slashing the sheep with a sharp blade across it’s neck. I was horrified at how cruel it was. Then God said to me, “This sheep represents those who have lost hope.” The dream ended.
Upon awakening, I understood that God was showing me how cunning the enemy is. He knows we are protected when we are in companionship with God – inside that little white house, seated around a small table, in close fellowship with the Father and the Son.
Psalms 23:5-6 (NKJV)
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Don’t be ignorant of the enemy’s schemes: he creates and uses commotion to distract you and draw you away from a relationship of trust and companionship with God. He doesn’t want you breaking bread with God, journeying through life with Him. He wants you to wander away from that place of safety, believing you have to take care of things by yourself.
Christians do not always understand the great spiritual significance of their thoughts. When our thoughts wander away from companionship with God for an extended period of time, this is the equivalent of us wandering in our walk with Him. When my thoughts are not His thoughts, when I do not take them captive – I am out for a walk without Him. Away from His protection. Vulnerable. And the enemy will seize upon it.
Matthew 4:4 (NLT)
People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
When our thoughts wander away from companionship with God to dwell on the circumstances and commotion outside, we are vulnerable. Holy Spirit will immediately begin to draw us back into companionship with the God of all hope. But when we ignore Him and continue journeying on our own, believing lies – hopelessness sets in. When you perceive hopelessness in yourself or others, recognize that the father of lies is hovering around, trying to drown you in a flood, trying to destroy your future.
Elohim is a Friend and Companion of the closest kind. Nurture your relationship with Him because He is your strength, your joy, your wisdom and your peace. “Break bread” with Him daily. A great part of companionship – or having an intimate meal – with Jesus, is consuming His Word and letting Him speak to you.
John 6:35 (NLT)
Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
It was Abraham’s childlike confidence in God’s faithfulness and goodness that enabled him to stay in companionship with Him, to keep “breaking bread” with Him. If you find yourself wandering off, learn to quickly return to the table, even in the midst of chaos, even in the midst of pain. This is where your life is. This is where your victory is. This is where you WILL overcome!
Isaiah 41:12-13 (NLT)
You will look in vain for those who tried to conquer you. Those who attack you will come to nothing. For I hold you by your right hand— I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, `Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you’.