Friendship and Dreamcatchers

I choose this specific devotional to post tonight because to me it was confirmed by the Lord. This afternoon my husband gave me something in the mail which he had received a few days ago. He sponsors an Indian orphanage and school in South Dakota. Anyway they are always sending him projects which they make or different trinkets. This time is was a "dream catcher" key ring. It to me had a very interesting story behind it. the native Americans of the Great Plains believe the air is filled with both good and bad dreams. Historically, dreamcatchers were hung in the tipi (their spelling) or lodge and on a baby's cradle board.

According to the legend, the good dreams pass through the center hole,to the sleeping person. The bad dreams are trapped in the web, where they perish in the light of dawn. I have seen and heard of dreamcatchers but I never knew the legend or story behind them.

I also prayed earlier about what I was supposed to post about and opened my devotional book to the devotion of "Friendship" and it talks about an Indian Tribe. Coincidence, I think not.

Today's Seed: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be over powered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

In an Iroquois story, passed down through the generations, maize (corn), beans, and squash are spoken of as the three sisters. These important vegetables were the mainstays of the Iroquois diet and when planted together in their gardens, supported each other. The tall cornstalks supported pole beans and the squash vines on the ground suppressed weeds and kept the soil moist.

Too many times in our lives, when we need loving support, we try to go it alone. We think we're strong, invincible, and in control! Not really.

Where do we go for the support we need? to our friends or our spouse, of course, but first we should go to our LORD. Like the tall, strong cornstalk, He will guide us up and and out of the misery and despair. Like the squash, He will provide a shield of protection against what might harm us. We can turn to him in prayer when we feel overwhelmed.

God want us to have companionship. Isolation is not part of His plan. God, family, and friends. Like the cord of three strands and the three sister plants, together they will not be easily broken.

Dig Deeper: The title of Ecclesiastes in Hebrew means preacher or lecturer, implying that the author of the book has valuable lessons to teach us.


Background Bulb: The book of Ecclesiastes is one of the most pessimistic in the Old Testament, filled with despair over what life would be like without God. Most experts believe it was written by Solomon. King Solomon had a reputation for being wise, and as leader of Israel, his court was a center for all the best thinkers of his day. After a lifetime of seeking fulfillment in worldly things, Solomon repented. In Ecclesiastes he communicates from experience how pleasure, achievement, alcohol, riches, and sex all lead to emptiness without a good relationship with God.

Sprout & Scatter: Trying to power through a project alone invites mistakes and burnout. We can benefit others and ourselves by asking for help. Identify one person who is lonely and invite her to join you in one of your duties or passions. You'll enjoy each other's company. The work will get done faster. An you will make a lasting impression on a person in need.

Think about it: Why do you think that in the middle of all the despair written about in Ecclesiastes, the writer took time to write about the need for friends?

When was the last time you asked for help, and what was the result?


Prayer Pot: LORD, help me to ask for help when... (insert your thoughts).


Take-Away Idea: God is our friend who listens best.

Good Night and May God Bless! May your good dreams go through the middle of your dreamcatcher and your bad ones be caught in it's web.