Choosing the Right Company
At the start of this new year, a quiet moment struck me as I reflected deeply on my journey as a Christian, wondering where I truly stand. My walk started when I was born, and from there, I was given my assignment and purpose from God in this life I was awarded. More recently, I made the decision to get rebaptized. It did not come lightly by any means. I did, however, believe many things about how I thought I would change after I got baptized. Spoiler: it was not how I thought it would be. Here I am almost 4 years later, and I think I am finally beginning the process of getting ready to begin to understand. Throughout my highs and lows, one specific low stands out—the time when I felt utterly lost after losing a close friend. It was during this period of loneliness and questioning that I realized God was pruning me, removing what didn’t serve my growth to shape me into who I was called to be on this walk.
That has caused me to think of the company I keep. I heard someone recently say, “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you who you are.” I kept hearing that echo in my head over and over so much it forced me to look at those around me. If I am honest, most of the people around me are just there because I did not want to be lonely. I also noticed some of these people are my friends because they want to learn from me and benefit from being my friend, which is not horrible, but I found myself having to lower myself to their level, which stunts my own growth to relate to them. I am giving and giving and giving, and they are taking and taking, and I am left depleted.
It was a cozy evening when I sat down for dinner with some friends, the warm chatter and clinking of dishes filling the air. We gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter, when one friend opened up about her journey with fasting. One of them was talking about her journey with fasting, and she was new in her walk, so she was struggling but holding. I was so proud of her. The other friend thought it was funny to try and tempt her by teasing her with food. See, they thought it would be fun to watch her fail, all in the name of mocking her so she could indulge in the dinner with them. Looking at that alone showed me where I was with the company I keep.
Since I was baptized, I believe God has pruned some of the people in my life. I was so happy to get rid of some, but others it was so hard to watch them go. Now I see why they are not in my life. After that, I picked up a few in-between friends, but I am seeing I need to be around like-minded people that can uplift and not drain me. I have come to a place where now I know I am not great at choosing my company. I want to ask God to fill in this incompetency and to place the people He will have me keep as company with. Today, as I notice this, I will be praying for a change in the company I keep, asking God to guide me towards relationships that nourish my spirit. Who are the people lifting you up, and who might be holding you back?
Here is a prayer for the company you keep.
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today with a heart full of faith, asking for Your divine guidance and wisdom. I seek Your help in choosing the right company, those who will uplift, support, and encourage me on the path You’ve set before me. Lord, remove any person, situation, or force that is lurking in the shadows, working against Your will for my life. In the Name of Jesus, I bind and cast out all negative forces, and I declare that they have no power over me.
Father, I ask for Your healing touch over my heart and mind. Heal me from all wounds and scars that have held me back and made me believe I was less than who You created me to be. Help me release all strongholds, all attachments to people, things, and situations that have kept me enslaved to fear, doubt, and negativity. Remove anything that does not serve Your purpose, that does not bring glory to You.
In Your mighty Name, I break free from all chains, and I declare my deliverance. I surrender my life, my future, my relationships, and my ambitions to You, trusting that You will lead me to what is right and true. I ask for the will and strength to let go of anything that has kept me bound, and that Your light would shine brightly, guiding me toward Your peace, purpose, and prosperity.
Thank You, Lord, for Your grace, love, and protection. I trust that You will bring people into my life who reflect Your will, who will build me up, and help me grow into the person You have destined me to be. I give You all the glory, honor, and praise.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
