A Cord Of 3 Strands, by Lou beard.

Thanks to Lou for this thought-provoking devotional.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves, a cord of three strands is not easily broken.
Ecclesiastes 4: 12.
I recently read a devotional in which the writer told of a plant which was given to her. The plant had large leaves on tall thin stems. The stems were not strong enough to support the leaves, so instead of standing tall, the stems grew up a little way, then leaned over, flopping back down towards the ground. The writer then saw another plant the same, but the stems of this plant had been braided, or platted, together. These stems stood up tall and straight.

The verse from Ecclesiastes is sometimes used at weddings to speak of the couple’s relationship including God, therefore the three strands making a stronger, more substantial cord.

I got to thinking how we need to include Jesus in all our relationships, whether that be a relationship between a couple, family members, other members of our churches, friends, or those we come into contact with in whatever situation we find ourselves in.

When we are arranging or taking part in church activities, do we pray about them, or do we just do what we’ve always done? When we are involved in discussions or disagreements with a family member, do we follow God’s leading, or do we push for our own way? When we are spending time with friends, do we remember to thank God for them? When we meet people in shops, in the street, or in any other day to day situation, do we ask the Lord’s guidance as to how we should interact with them?
My answer to all of those questions is, not as often as I should!

The definition of relationship is, the way in which two or more people or things are connected, so, to a greater or lesser degree, we are in a relationship with everyone we come into contact with.

I have long hair. It’s not as long as it used to be, but it’s still long enough to tie back. Most days I leave it loose. On a windy day, it can blow all over the place and get knotted. Sometimes I start at the top and twist two strands together, adding more in as I twist my hair down the back of my head. This can only go so far though, as once I reach the long hair at the back, it won’t stay twisted, as there’s nothing to secure it to. If I want to take a little more time, I plat, or braid, my hair, starting from the top of my head. There are three strands in a plat or braid. As these three strands cross over and interlock with one another, it creates a firm plat which can go right to the end of my hair. On a windy day, those three strands hold firmly together and in place.

It takes more time and effort to create a cord of three strands, but it’s time and effort well spent. It puts the Lord in the centre of all our relationships.

And what about those who don’t know, or believe in Jesus as their saviour? Well, if they are brought into that cord of three strands, they can’t help but become closer to our Lord.

If you feel able to do so, make this prayer your own.
Lord Jesus, I ask you to be at the centre of each and every relationship I find myself in. May your strand of love strengthen and secure each relationship, while guiding it in the way you would have it go. Amen.