Deep Friendship
I have had the privilege of having many friends over the years. In my high school years, I had lots of friends. After high school, I moved about 4 hours away from home to go to college. My high school friendships faded significantly. I made friends at college and I’m close to many of them even today. I’ve got a good long list of these friends that I could call today, and they would do their very best to come help me immediately. There are some friendships that I’ve formed locally that will also last the rest of my life.
I just heard the saying…. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
When David was still young and growing up, he developed a deep friendship with Jonathan, the son and heir apparent to King Saul. The Lord had sent Samuel to anoint David when he was but a shepherd boy. After David killed Goliath, his character and bravery began to show. Saul became super jealous and decided to kill David. Jonathan went to David to warn him. I imagine a lot of deep hurt as they said their final goodbye here on earth. Check this out….
41 As soon as the boy was gone, David came out from where he had been hiding near the stone pile. Then, David bowed three times to Jonathan with his face to the ground. Both of them were in tears as they embraced each other and said good-bye, especially David.
42 At last Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn loyalty to each other in the Lord’s name. The Lord is the witness of a bond between us and our children forever.” Then David left, and Jonathan returned to the town. (1 Samuel 20:41-42 NLT)
A good friend is a HUGE asset.
A good friend is honest.
A good friend is completely trustworthy.
A good friend is available.
A good friend is as close or closer than family.
I still want to have room in my life for friends. The deeper my faith goes and grows the larger my capacity to love and welcome friends and brothers into my life. I pray for my friends and their families. I pray that their love for the Lord keeps growing deeper and deeper throughout this life. I believe that strong Christ-centered friendships help my faith grow stronger, deeper and wider every day!
Pressing On!
Dwayne