True and Lasting Friendship...a gift from our Father in Heaven

True and Lasting Friendship... a gift from our Father in Heaven

Patricia Ann, Originally posted on Sunday, June 15, 2014 11:09 PM

I have had many friendships over the years. Some were short lived and some I still have today. It seems like sometimes my friendships were just for fun and when I really needed a friend, they were too busy.  At times I felt very lonely and upset, especially during difficult times when I needed a shoulder to cry on or someone to listen and understand.  Sometimes, I just needed to hear that everything would be okay.
As I look back at my life now, I can see that during the many trials in my life, the one constant friend I found in my life was Jesus. I didn't always know it at the time, but Jesus never left my side. He even carried me at times and I didn't know it.
I think Jesus probably even cried with me.  I can remember weeping uncontrollably so many times, when suddenly I felt a calmness that everything was going to be okay. I know that Jesus was near me; protecting me, loving me and guiding me with His gentle spirit.

Not only does Jesus walk by our side, but sometimes He provides us with very special people in our lives that gently fulfill our needs. These are very special friends that undoubtedly are sent by God for our earthly support.
These friends provide spiritual counsel. They are Spiritual friends, caring and compassionate. They have the patience to listen and provide feedback to almost any situation. These friends truly love us.
They seem to carry within themselves a most beautiful love that can only come from Jesus, Himself. 
These friends are true and lasting, sharing a strong bond of love; a deep understanding of one another. They feel each other's pain and share a desire and an ability to help their friend. This type of friendship can only be created by our Father in Heaven, as a gift to us for loving Him. 
These friends are truly awesome to have! 

The Bible tells us about friendships.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV 
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!

True and Lasting Friendship Can Occur Suddenly
1 Samuel 18:1–3 
After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn't let him return home. And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. (NLT)
I am very blessed by our Lord, for He has provided to me a true and lasting friendship at just the perfect time in my life.  Our Father in Heaven knows us intimately.  He knows our every thought, our every need, our every desire and then He blesses us with just what He knows we need.
He provides for us true friendships created in His perfect love, because we know Him and we love Him.  He provides these friendships to us; pure and sweet to help one another through the trials of daily living. These friends bring us comfort, joy, compassion and kindness, unselfish acts and pure love. 
I thank God for being so wonderful to me that He gave me a true and lasting friendship... Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  
...And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself.
 
My prayer for today is that we all take the time to cherish our friendships and to thank our Father in Heaven for giving us extra special, true and lasting friends.  Blessings to all in Jesus name, Amen.