What is a concordance?

1. an alphabetical list of the words (especially the important ones) present in a text, usually with citations of the passages in which they are found.
2. agreement or consistency.

My relationship with a concordance is using it for Bible study. Something just occurred to me as I reviewed this definition today.

In the thick of trials, we often don’t have time to dig deep into scripture. Our study and prayer is quick and desperate. It’s when what we have studied bubbles to the surface for our use. I find myself hearing a verse and praying it, but trying to find it…and especially studying and digging in…not happening in the thick of it.

A text comes in from a friend with a scripture reference. I look it up and it’s the verse I was trying to remember last Saturday.

A text comes from my mom with a link to a song for encouragement. I start listening and it’s the verse that I was trying to think of but couldn’t remember the words.

I call my husband and tell him the deep sorrow I don’t know where to put and he reminds me of God’s promise in such circumstances.

I hesitate to complain to God and then recall the chapter about about biblical complaint I read in a book on lament. A book recommend 6 years ago by my cousin. A book I felt compelled to read in 2024 that is providing nourishment now.

All of these encouragements, reminders, verses are citations for for agreement and consistency in this current season for our family.

Our community is serving as a human concordance. Hallelujah! But it’s not just happening in a single direction. God doesn’t waste anything. They Holy Spirit is always at work in us all…there are things I’m sure that are working in me that I don’t understand…but 4 months from now, perhaps a week before Thanksgiving, I’ll be reading my Bible perhaps and I’ll have clarity about something I asked in a simple prayer. And someone will come to mind and I’ll text them that little thought and it will resonate for them in a situation I have NO IDEA ABOUT…because that’s how God is.

Thank you all for the prayers you’ve texted. The cards sent. The verses. The songs. All of it.