If there's one post in this series you ought to read, this is probably the one. Not because it's going to be the most well-written or funniest or most vulnerable. I have written about this so many times in my journal, shared this with many, and I'm sure there's an old blog about this somewhere on this site, but I can't help it. It's probably my absolute FAVORITE thing about Jesus, as well as being that which I am MOST SURE about Who He is, and I think He really does love to put it on display in my life for His glory, and I couldn't be more honored and humbled. "there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." -Proverbs 18:24b How can I possibly begin to relate the sweet glory that is my friendship with the Son of God? How can I tell you of those mercies that meet me in the morning, or the encouragement He brings from His Word or the loneliness He often fills with reminders of His presence? How can I describe all the ways He has been there for me every step of each type of journey He takes me on? Yes, all those physical moves, He even now knows how many steps my feet have taken, Fit Bit is no match for my All-Knowing Friend. Yes, all those emotional adventures, He has collected my tears, and knows the depth of the temporal happiness I have ever experienced. And it should go without saying that He has watched over all of my spiritual traveling. Never leaving. always present. When my singleness has haunted me rather than spurred me, when confusion about my circumstances has crushed my peace, or when I can't formulate words because of the strength of my emotions, He has still been there. He's not afraid of any sin that could come between us because He has conquered it and when I turn to Him, the bond of our unity reminds me of His victory and the ways that He fought for us to still be besties. I have learned that any fights we have are always my fault, my lack of understanding or trust, but He has this sweet and gently way of helping me submit to His ways. He's never unclear about His intentions, ever speaking directly and making a show of His love for me. This all means that when asked by a four-year-old if I was going to be lonely in an empty house on Christmas Eve Eve, I could respond assuredly (albeit through watery eyes) that I would be with my very Best Friend. I wouldn't be alone because my Friend came to earth once upon a time to make sure I wouldn't have to face such agony. He made sure that I would have the perfect companionship of One who knows me best and loves me most. I could have even told her that His love is not like earthly love, that it is, in fact, unconditional and far deeper than any ocean I could set before my eyes. He seeps through every crevice and healing past hurts, of making new all the old like no one else can. I don't know if you have this kind of relationship with God. I'm sure yours has its own version of sweetness. This is mine, and oh, how much I want this for everyone! Why just today, my Friend came to me with a reminder I needed to hear. At the point when David was freaking out about His BFF's dad coming to kill him, Jonathan showed up and with his words set out to solidify his trust in God. "'DO NOT FEAR, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you . Saul my father also knows this.' And the two of them made a covenant before the LORD." -1 Samuel 23:17 A friend showing up just in time to say what needed to be said, the truth He needed to hear: It might not feel like it, but you're safe. You might feel like you're going to die, and I can even understand why you'd feel that way, but it's just NOT TRUE. The truth is that God's will is going to be accomplished, He will fulfill His purpose for you, and I get to watch it all happen. To top it all off, the one who's threatening you knows it too, and that's probably why he's out to get you. But He doesn't accept what we know to be true: Our God is on our side." That's what the friendship of God looked like in the Old Testament: the people of Israel knew that God was on their side, FOR them, not against them... if that sounds familiar, yes, let those words in Romans now flood your soul. "If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" -Romans 8:31-32 And this is all the prelude to the reminder that nothing can separate us from His love. True friends do whatever it takes to keep our eyes fixed on what's important, what's real, on GOOD NEWS. That's what Jonathan did, and guess what? That's what God did too to prepare the way for His coming. Those He appeared to via His messengers had every reason to freak out, but what was His message? "'DO NOT BE AFRAID, Mary, for you have found favor with God.'" -Luke 1:30 "'Joseph, son of David, DO NOT FEAR to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'" -Matthew 1:20 "'FEAR NOT, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." -Luke 2:10 Perfect Love was coming and as it always does, it would CAST OUT FEAR, replacing it with the reverent awe of how big His Love is. And guys, LOOK at this verse, written by David, maybe even after Jonathan's words lifted his spirits, reminding Him of the kind of relationship He could have with God. "The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant." -Psalm 25:14 God's Word is so good and so life-giving; oh how well it reflects its Author, the Word of Life! So, my virtual friend, if you find that the status of your friendship with Jesus is less than tight, go to Him, the One who has proven that a friendship with Him is THE one to have if you have no others. I can ABSOLUTELY promise you that there isn't one better out there. Those relationships we deem the best on earth pale in comparison to that we have with Him, and it MUST be invested in if we expect to be close. Cherish your Best Friend, the One Who went to the greatest of lengths so you could. He didn't only secure a heavenly friendship with you, but one that starts this side of heaven. May the name of the LORD be praised!
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