Like the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:24-26, given to the ancient Israelites before embarking on their trek to the Promised Land, we could use similar bolstering as we continue our spiritual journey amidst some increasingly daunting threats and obstacles on the immediate horizon, giving many a high level of anxiety. In the midst of this growing angst, we must reflect on how we relate to God, asking whether God desires a relationship with us, whether we are allowing anything to get in the way of this relationship, whether we are approaching God with respect, and whether God would consider us friends. God has indeed been working to establish connection with us (Zephaniah 3:17). Sometimes our fleshly, carnal nature impedes this connection, but we must diligently apply ourselves to cultivate this relationship, giving our Heavenly Father due respect, perfecting our prayer, meditation, and study habits, bringing every thought under the scrutiny of God's Holy Spirit. We must develop the same quality of friendship toward God as Abraham, Moses, and David established through iron-clad faith and trust in His guidance. God wants an intimate relationship, and has provided us with life-sustaining faith, the foundation of our relationship.