True Friends (7)
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to
dwell together in unity.
Psalm 133:1
Read Psalm 133:1-3
True friends are received and not made—that’s something we don’t often
think about. You learn to know your friends at church, at school, on the
sports team and in your neighbourhood. Over time, some true friendships
develop. As a result, you experience a lot together over the years, receiving
much support from one another and often speaking heart to heart. What a
great privilege this is! It is a gift from God. He not only gives such friendships,
but He also providentially preserves them.
However, when two people enjoy such a friendship, it is inevitable they will
also come to know the negative side of each other’s characters. We all have
deficiencies and unpleasant character traits. In spite of all this, true friendships
endure. This is only due to God’s faithfulness. Be thankful for this
undeserved blessing!
Perhaps there are some who read this with sadness because you actually do
not have a true close friend. Oh sure, you have some acquaintances, but you
do not enjoy a friendship like that of David and Jonathan. You feel as though
you have no one. I would like to direct you to God’s Word. Immediately after
the creation of Adam, the Lord saw that it was not good that he remain
alone, so He made Eve. My purpose in indicating this is not to focus on marriage.
Rather, notice that God ascertained that aloneness was not good for
mankind. And therefore, on the basis of His Word, you may in a concrete
way ask the Lord for a true friend. He approves of such a prayer. Would He
say something and not do it?
Question: What does Genesis 2:18 mean to you?
Psalter 152:3,4,5 (based on Psalm 56)
In God, the Lord, I rest, His word of grace I praise,
His promise stands secure, Nor fear nor foe dismays.
Upon me are Thy vows, O God, in Whom I live;
The sacrifice of praise To Thee I now will give.
For Thou hast saved from death, From falling kept me free,
That in the light of life My walk may be with Thee.
