Community Through Companionship
I’ve been in an occasional back and forth conversation about friendship and “brotherhood” of sorts. We are different, yet the same. In the few (more than 3) discussions on this topic, we have not been able to come to a consensus on “why we get along so well”. I recently learned and studied a new word that I believe fits what we’ve been clawing at. It is wedged neatly in the words of David, the King of Israel.
David said,
“I am a companion to all those who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts” Psalm 119:63
Undoubtedly, the importance of godly companionship and the pursuer of GOD’s heart details a person’s commitment to associating with those who share a reverence for ADONAI and obey His Commands. I want to place a heavy emphasis on the word “and”.
I admit, I enjoy spending time with people, men to be more specific. However, after sifting through this verse (that word), the sentiment of David underscores his personal choice to associate with individuals who demonstrate their faith through their reverence for the LORD “and obedience to His Commands”. I like it! That is the answer I believe that fits “us” and a few other men I know.
Please don’t’ get me wrong or misunderstand my application of hover. I am in no way a spiritual Primadonna. I admit, I NEED men in my life who are not afraid to correct, challenge and support me in the journey to the Kingdom of the Lord.
Being a “one man gang” is not the definition of hover. There are some occasional men in Scripture who had to occasionally stand alone and encourage themselves, while trusting what the Spirit of GOD had told them. However, by and large, MOST of them had a companion. The term hoverim fits snugly right there!
Every hoverim (more than one) will share a common passion in the fear of GOD and the commitment to obey Him. He says, "you are my friends, if you do what I Command you."
If we share that commitment to compliance and deferring to one another, we become GOD's community. That is the word for gathering, kehillah and church of those who are actively pursuing change by His disciples (talmedim). This transformation and answerability to one another—in Him doesn't work very well if we are going at it alone. We need each other to cheer each other on, to hold each other responsible and to be the example of how to follow Yeshua and the Moreh (Spirit of Instruction and Leadership).
This growth we need and GOD expect works best when we are with others who are in pursuit of His righteousness and Word. We need peer pressure. This type of tension is good, depending on who your peers are.
Community growth in strongest, in community, not individual preservation. Let’s not misunderstand, we are not talking about cliques and David Koresh type environments. I refer to a society that works to support one another’s health, livelihood and spiritual needs. We already have Someone Who tells us how to live and what to do.
We need people. We need people in our lives who are honest, caring and trusting of the word of GOD. We all require and need prayer and support.
“I am a companion to all those who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts”
Did you notice how David sees himself? He considers himself as a solid guy who is not afraid of fellowship with GOD. When we say that “we have a close fellowship with ADONAI”, we should also be echoing you have people around you where character and support will go both ways. What we DO NOT need around us are people who “need” us. When we do that, we are exhibiting the attitude of “he will come to me for the answers of the Bible.” Those men (people) are already challenging you to be stronger and trustworthy in the things of the LORD.
David is also identifying as a dedicated follower who intentionally aligns with others who share reverence for the Lord. Let’s make this same declaration and alignment.
“I am a companion to all those who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts”
“Companion” conveys closeness, fellowship, and shared life. It’s not casual friendship but covenantal solidarity.
“All those who fear You” (in this context) means reverence, awe, and deep respect for ADONAI. We must be living in awareness of His Holiness.
“Those who keep Your precepts” – Precepts are God’s instructions, His guiding principles. The psalmist is saying his community is defined by obedience to God’s word.
True companionship is rooted in shared devotion. It’s not about social status, background, or personality. It’s about reverence for GOD.
No person should ever walk alone. All our faith is to be lived out in fellowship with others who are committed to GOD’s Commands. I have found that. I am also always looking for more.
I hope you have too.