Last week I described how many of my friendships have changed over the years. Some that I thought would last forever were suddenly and surprisingly no more. And some grew distant over time. Most of those friendships I reluctantly had to let go once I realized that I was the only one who seemed to still want it to continue. But there is one friendship that I have often neglected…that I take full responsibility for. The sad part is that more than any other friendship, this is the one friend who deserves nothing but my best…and I am sad to say, my friend doesn’t always get that from me.
I met my friend when I was 9 years old although I knew of him much earlier. Him. Yes, he is a He. Yes, my husband knows him as well, and they, too, are friends. Actually, my friend is the one who was really responsible for bringing me and my husband together, although he probably doesn’t get enough credit for that.
My friend has been through it all with me. Ups. Downs. Happy times. Sad times. He’s been with me when I was single and lonely. Married and happy. Often when my hubby and I don’t see eye to eye, it is he who calms me down, who makes me realize that I’m being too stubborn…or selfish.
My friend reads me like no other. And he’s seen the ugly side of me and still manages to love me regardless.
My friend is thoughtful, considerate, generous, loving.
My friend prays for me…all the time. He intercedes to our Heavenly Father on my behalf.
I can call him any time of the day. Morning. Noon. Night or day.
My friend has been there for me, especially when my other friends couldn’t be. Even when I was too busy to make time for my friend, he patiently waited for me.
My friend is the Ultimate Friend. Loyal. Faithful. Honest. And True. Better than anyone or any friend I have ever known.
There is also one other thing my friend has done for me…often many will say they would do this but he not only says he will…he has already done it. He died for me. He died so that I could live.
He is such a good friend that I would be a horrible friend to you if I didn’t introduce him to you. His name is Jesus. And what he did for me, he also did for you.
For those of you who already know him, this is a reminder to you that he is not only your Savior, your Lord, your Provider, your Healer…but he is also your friend.
While other friends may abandon you, He will never leave you. He never tires of being there for you.
You can talk to him like you would to any friend. And he can comfort you like none other.
And here’s an old hymnal reminding us of the great friend we do have in Jesus:
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.
FemmeFuel 