Got a Real Friend?

As Jesus faced the anguish of going to the cross, he chose to face it with his closest friends. He asked Peter, James, and John to keep watch with him and pray. He said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” Of course, the disciples let him down by going t

o sleep, of all things.  But it’s touching to me that in His dark hour of agony, Jesus’ very human need was for the watchfulness and prayers and nearby presence of His community of friends.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 clearly confirms the blessing of good friends:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work;

If one falls down, his friend can help him up.

But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

“A good return for their work” is right. The very best investment we will make in life will not be a financial one, but rather the investment made in relationships. We will get the best return on that investment over other investments we might make. The late millionaire, Malcolm Forbes is supposed to have said, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” However, since he has died, I suppose he knows that is not true.

“Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.”  In Bible times almost all combat was hand to hand combat. Soldiers went into battle with a partner, someone who could be trusted completely. The soldiers stood back to back of one another and fought whatever enemy came from any side. Friends stand with you and guard your back.

A friend helps you when you’re down, “but pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” Proverbs 17:17 says “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

God often uses our friendships with one another to demonstrate His love. He can work through us to be His hands holding the hands of an anxious friend. He can use our mouths to offer comfort to a broken heart.

I’m blessed to have friends who fit the descriptions above. One friend in particular, is the reason I’ve chosen this subject today. Lately, because of my mother’s Alzheimer’s and some issues regarding her care, I’ve felt overpowered by sadness, indecisiveness, guilt, fear, and more emotions than I can put into words. My friend has taken it upon herself to walk me through the rest of this journey (and to drive me to and from Dallas, and to help me to make hard decisions, and when it is time she’ll help me to move her.) She says it’s nothing – I know it is.

Friendships like this take grace and determination and, most of all, Time. And I don’t make it easy either. You pretty much have to use your imagination – or your heart and God’s Spirit – to know my needs, because I mostly keep to myself when I’m anxious or sad.

Another friend sensed my need last week; she prayed with me and gave me great comfort, even though I Told her I was Fine!  She felt my burden. She reminded me about Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  Sharing good conversation with someone you can trust is healing.

In The Message, Proverbs 28:24 says “Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family”

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens - Psalms 68:19 (NIV)

Father, Thank you for perceptive and loving friends. Give me the wisdom to know when I need help to carry my burden, and the willingness to ask for help. Make me a better friend. May I be sensitive to the needs of others, and encourage them as I have been encouraged.
Through Jesus, who gave His life for His friends.

Lynn Anne Hughes
Stephenville, TX