The following is Psalm 16:3 in several different versions. They differ from each other but all express the same fundamental thought. The variation is refreshing and allows for a stronger development of thought.
3 As for the saints who are on the earth,
“They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” (NKJV)
3As for the saints who are in the earth,
They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight. (NASB)
3 The godly people in the land
are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them! (NLT)
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No matter how we look at it, the Psalmist knows the value of other believers. He exults in their companionship and rejoices in their presence in his life. He knows that they have an excellence in them and about them. He savours all contact with them.
We could say the psalmist has struck gold. Whenever he has contact with them, good things start to happen. A joy is awakened in him and bubbles to the surface. ( This Psalm 16 should be read in its entirety, I am only pulling out a single verse because of the light within it.)
Friendship, or companionship is a critical necessity for us, especially when the momentum of our culture is towards isolation. I’ve been told of a certain kind of rock will begin to resonate, becoming warm in the presence of a rock of the same type. (IDK if this is true but it is a great story).
I need brothers and sisters to awaken me. As a man who struggles with physical and mental illness that connection brings me healing and wholeness. I in turn through this same connection transmit grace and wisdom to them (or whatever).
There is not a lot of things better, and more invigorating than coffee with a Christian friend. In heaven, there will be a Starbucks on every other corner serving up Vanilla Lattes for disciples wanting to visit and share their hearts (that is my personal theory anyway.)
The Psalmist puts our relationships into the light and evaluates them by the encouragement they bring. We need to have that awareness as we contact each other. As a “closet-hermit” I need that extra push. I would anticipate or even expect it.
The Holy Spirit works in the specific area of relationships. That is His strength and forte’. I believe that the way the Kingdom of God works, flows and advances is in large part because of godly relationships. The more we cultivate them, the more the Church grows.
Related articles
- Fellowship (crossquotes.org)
- Loving the Father’s House: Psalm 84 (psalmslife.com)
- Thrill Me, God: Psalm 92 (psalmslife.com)
- What Choice Do You Have? (bibleopia.wordpress.com)
- Your faith in the Lord (leadmeintheeverlastingway.com)
Broken Believers 
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