A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17 NASB)
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24b NASB)
Did you have a best friend growing up? Was that person a classmate, a neighbor or a cousin? Or maybe even a sibling?
Friends are always a necessity. Even more so now during this season of social distancing. And especially since our normal, comfortable, familiar forms of interaction have been eliminated. Sitting around the kitchen table drinking coffee and enjoying each other’s company while the kids have a playdate has been exchanged for a quick text or a short phone call. Only a few short years ago, getting face time with someone meant a long conversation over lunch and now face time has become just another digital experience. But, we cope. We make do. We survive. Partly because we have friends.
True friendship is both a gift and a reward. We give our time and support to each other. We share our wisdom and affection. We laugh and cry our way through life. Then, as a result of all that mutual investment, we are rewarded with a sense of belonging and the security of being cared for and loved.
However, every human eventually fails at being a friend. We’re consumed by our own pain, disappointment and loneliness. We isolate ourselves. We become unavailable. We miss obvious cries for help.
But, thanks be to God for a Friend, who sticks closer than a brother! One who is always available, never too wrapped up in taking care of the universe to respond to our slightest whisper.
He will never leave us or forsake us. His Presence fills our hearts with peace and joy. We never need to be afraid or lonely. He is generous with wisdom and lavish with grace. His provision meets all of our needs. As we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your unfailing friendship and for our earthly friends, who love us through life. Help us to be faithful and loving as well. Amen
~ Peggy Lundy
Photo is courtesy of the author’s niece, Erika Lundy. She photographed her daughters as they stopped to chat with each other while out playing. “I thought it captured the love of sisters.” Indeed it does!
