Take a trip down Memory Lane and think of your first friend, maybe one you made in your neighborhood, school, sports, or church. Are you still friends with them? The first friend I can remember making was my next-door neighbor. We grew up more like sisters as we were only two years apart, and while she lives in Virginia now, I know I can call her at any time, and she will be there for me. Another friend I had I met at church, and when she moved to Massachusetts when we were eight, I thought that would be the end. But she and I are still in touch today and have traveled to see one another many times over the years. But I can’t say that for all of the friends I’ve made growing up because some have moved away and the friendship was lost, and others we simply drifted apart as we matured. So now, instead of thinking of the first friend you made, think of your best friend in life right now. I admit, I keep a very tight circle of friends, and while I may not speak to my friends daily, I know who I can go to in the good and bad.
In 1855, a preacher named Joseph M. Scriven wrote the poem entitled “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” for his mother who was living in Ireland while he was living in Canada. I’m sure this was during a time in which she was missing her son dearly and needed a reminder of the ultimate Best Friend. If you’re unfamiliar with the hymn (the tune for the hymn was composed in 1868), I suggest listening to it at some point today or reading the lyrics as it is such an amazing reminder that, in addition to Jesus being our Lord and Savior, He is also the most amazing friend we could have. I will be quoting the hymn as well as scripture as I continue.
“Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share?”
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
Growing up in a turbulent home, I knew the friends I could share my pain with, ones who would listen and care. But in reality, they were only someone to complain to. Now, don’t get me wrong, we need people to hear us out during trying times, but there’s little comfort brought on in just complaining. One of the first times I truly went to the Lord as my friend was when I was 15-years-old and had just had an argument with my dad. Kneeling on my bedroom floor crying out to the Lord, I experienced His overwhelming comfort as He shared my sorrow and exchanged it for His peace. My time of need wasn’t too much for Him. He didn’t walk away, He loved me though it.
“Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?”
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24
I mentioned already that some of my friendships have stood the test of a move, but others did not. In many cases, as soon as I would get close to someone, they would move away. There was my childhood friend moving to Massachusetts, followed by another friend who moved to Philadelphia (which to a ten-year-old felt like a different world!) Another friend moved away, also staying in Pennsylvania, but to a town about an hour away. One moved to Tennessee, another left for a school in Florida, another moved to South Carolina, and my oldest friend, who is in adulthood now, has moved to Virginia. For a long time I was hesitant to make close friends again because I felt as though as soon as I did, they moved away. I’m so thankful for the Lord’s constant presence in our lives, because even when we feel abandoned by man, we know He is the friend who sticks closer than a brother. I do have to add something though - there have been plenty of situations where I am, and have been, an unreliable friend. So, I realize my need to learn from Jesus how to be a better friend who sticks closer than a brother.
“In His arms He’ll take and shield thee Thou wilt find a solace there.”
“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2
A good friend is one who you can trust with the darkest situations, hardest times, ugliest moments, and greatest joys. One who cares, uplifts, encourages, listens, and speaks truth. Who doesn’t want to feel safe with their friends? This may be for some of the teenagers reading, but if you don’t feel safe with a friend…they're probably not a true friend. He is our refuge, our place of peace, He himself is our peace. He is our fortress, He will not allow a flaming arrow of the evil one to pierce us, He defends us and protects us. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus did that! He had all of Heaven turn its back on Him as He hung on the cross. And He saw your face, my face, and felt nothing but love for us because He knew through this sacrifice we could live forever with Him. When I just stop and let myself dwell on that, I am overwhelmed with the love I have for Jesus, and how in turn I want to live every day for Him.
“Take it to the Lord in prayer!”
It is so easy to allow life to weigh us down. The enemy wants us to feel alone and like we are the only ones in the world who are dealing with an issue or a destructive thought. That’s why it is so important to build a community around yourself, to continue to go to church and small groups, and to make connections with people who may be going through the same thing you are. When we know we’re not alone, we can fight those feelings of hopelessness. And the times where people may fail us (because they will), we have the ultimate friend in Jesus. We can take everything to the Lord in prayer and know He is there. Fight through the urge to dwell on it and do it yourself, and take it to your Best Friend because we do not need to carry it alone.
What a Friend we have in Jesus. He is always there.
In Christ,
Becca Drumheller
