"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Proverbs 17:17

 May 11

"A friend is loving at all times and becomes a brother in times of trouble." - Proverbs 17:17 (BBE)

Friendship can mean different things to different people. With the advent of Facebook and the internet, those we use the term "friends" for are often people we have never met or seldom even see. We are able with little thought to "unfriend" those we disagree with or no longer serve our purposes. The biblical perspective on friendship is very different where we find a vast difference between just knowing someone and being a true friend. The greatest evidence of genuine friendship is loyalty. Loyalty is defined as loving "at all times" (1Cor. 13:7) and being available to help in times of distress or difficulty. Today, too many seem to be fair-weather friends sticking around when friendship gives more benefits than demands but leaving if not getting more than they give. As we know, even good friends can disappoint us at times just by being human.

Yet there is one friend who will never disappoint us. Jesus called his disciples and all of his followers, including you today, to be his friend. (Jn. 15:15) He wants you as his good friend. Will you trust him to be with you in both good times and bad? Jesus will never "unfriend" you! Or as a beautiful old hymn says:

"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! 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."

What a friend we have in Jesus indeed! 

Pause a minute today to thank God for this gift of everlasting friendship. Then share your gift with someone who needs a friend by listening, helping, encouraging and telling them about Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, Thank you for being my forever friend in good times and bad through all eternity. Amen.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)