I know that there are people who I meet on a regular basis in the marketplace that look forward to seeing me. This encourages me as I step out knowing that I bring something that they welcome.
An Asian woman at a food counter at Whole Foods sees me coming to her station and she smiles. She is ready with a bowl in hand to put my favorite ingredients into it at once. My consistency has brought me favor with this woman, who my only interactions with are concerning my lunch. However, although this is true now, I believe that we may at some point have a bit more time to interact. Our established consistent encounters will make those opportunities seen as safe.
I believe that consistency in our daily lives is what brings us stability. When we are grounded in God’s word, and hold fast to keeping time spent with Him as a priority, we are building a strong encasement around ourselves. It is one that will not be easily penetrated. This time that we spend, seeking after things that bring lasting fruit into our lives, is not just for our benefit. Those benefits spill over into every relationship. Even the briefest encounters in the marketplace are reflective of our consistency spent with God. People will see that what we carry has brought us something that they do not have, but desperately need.
Psalm 18:2 NLT The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.