I would like to take a look at Friendship this week. Friendship is a powerful bond that can bring joy, support, and a sense of belonging to our lives. It is a relationship that can withstand the test of time and adversity. When it comes to friendship, we often seek companionship with those who share our values, beliefs, and interests. However, there is one friendship that surpasses all others, and that is the friendship of God.
This week while at church, we sang an old hymn written by Joseph Scriven, “What a Friend we have in Jesus.” I think we all have sung this hymn at one time or another. But have you ever thought about the words you are singing. Here’s the words…
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear— All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Some writers have noted that the hymn was written for his mother, who was suffering from illness. How does a personal poem written to a mother from a despondent son, recently immigrated from England to a relatively remote section of Canada in the mid-nineteenth century, become one of the most widely sung hymns in the world? It must have been God doing it.
God is not just a distant deity who sits on a throne and watches over us from above. He is a friend who walks beside us every step of the way. In John 15:15 Jesus says, “I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” This verse reveals the intimate relationship that God desires to have with us. He wants to be our confidant, our source of guidance, and our constant companion.
Unlike human friends who may disappoint or betray us at times, God is a friend who will never let us down. He is always there to lend a listening ear, to provide comfort in times of sorrow, and to celebrate with us in times of joy. Psalm 46:1 assures us that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” This promise reminds us that no matter what challenges we may face, we can find solace and strength in our friendship with God.
On the other hand, Satan or the devil, seeks to deceive, destroy, and separate us from God. He is the embodiment of evil, seeking to lead us astray and tempt us into sin. Satan’s ultimate goal is to disrupt our friendship with God and turn us away from His love and grace. As believers, we must be vigilant in recognizing Satan’s tactics and guarding our hearts against his influence.
The question of where our hearts lie, whether with God or Satan, is one that each individual must answer for themselves. It is a choice that we make daily, in every decision we make and every action we take. Proverbs 4:23 warns us to “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” This verse reminds us that our hearts are precious and should be filled with love, truth, and righteousness.
Christian fellowship plays a vital role in strengthening our friendship with God and others. When we gather with fellow believers, we find encouragement, support, and accountability. We can share our struggles, pray for one another, and grow together in our faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” This verse emphasizes the importance of coming together as a community to strengthen our relationship with God and build meaningful relationships with others.
In conclusion, the friendship of God surpasses any other friendship we may have in our lives. He is a faithful friend who will never leave us nor forsake us. While Satan may try to deceive and separate us from God, we must guard our hearts and choose to align ourselves with God’s truth and love. Through Christian fellowship, we can find support, encouragement, and growth in our friendship with God and others. As the famous hymn says, “What a friend we have in Jesus.” Let us cherish this friendship and seek to deepen it every day.
In closing let me ask, how’s your friendship with God? God Loves us and wants our friendship. He even sent His Son Jesus to die for us so we can have a relationship with Him. Jesus paid the price for our sins. It is through God’s grace and by our faith in His Son, we can enter into the kingdom of Heaven.
Do you know, for sure, where you will spend eternity? Is it Heaven or Hell? It’s your choice. If you don’t know or are unsure, you’ve made your choice by default. Well, the bad news is, if you don’t know for sure, it will probably be in Hell. But here’s the Good News, you can still change it as long as you are here on earth.
This may be your last day on earth so now is the time to get right with God. Maybe you have fallen away need to renew your friendship with God and get the peace you once had. Please take the time now and pray…tomorrow maybe too late.
Tell God you believe His Son Jesus paid for your sins and arose from the grave. Tell God you are sorry and want to start Living for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes and give you Everlasting Life with Him… and place His Spirit deep within your heart. In 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” and in Romans 10:9 tells us, ”that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;“
May we never lose sight of the incredible gift that God has given us through his Son. Remember the words to the hymn…
O what needless pain we bear— All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
If you would like for me to pray with you, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentPromises.com.
May God Bless and Keep!
Bob.
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place that we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
