We all go through storms in life. I have found that the worst thing about them is when you go through them feeling like you are all alone. The enemy loves to isolate us in those times because he knows that if we have friends to walk with us, there will always be a voice of reason, a heart of compassion, and a shoulder to lean on.
In one of my storms, I was alone for a long time, not because I wanted to be, but because those I thought would be there for me were nowhere to be found. I totally understood David’s lament from Psalm 41 when he said “Even my close friend, in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” The “lifting up of the heel” refers to a vicious horse, which kicks his own master. My friends didn’t do me harm, they just deserted me and it felt as if I had been kicked in the gut by a horse.
Proverbs 17:17 it says “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” A true friend will love (and be present) in all circumstances whether unfavorable or favorable.
Psalm 18:24 says “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is one who sticks closer than a brother.” The word “sticks” is also translated “cleaves.” “This kind of friendship brings something into your life that mere obligation cannot bring, and therefore nothing else comes close to a true friend. But what is interesting is that because we live in such an individualistic culture, this kind of deep friendship is often overlooked and yet it is irreplaceable. Why? It is irreplaceable because we all experience troubles and tragedies and difficulties and storms. But without deep friendship in your life, without others to go through it with us—we’ll sink. We cannot make it through trials and tribulations without this kind of deep friendship and community.” (Pruitt Cares Foundation)
At just the right time, God sent several ladies from unexpected places who grabbed my arm and assured me that I would not walk this valley alone. They never judged or criticized. They were just "there." I pray that God will make me this kind of friend for others.
Today, I am thankful for “sticky friends.”
In one of my storms, I was alone for a long time, not because I wanted to be, but because those I thought would be there for me were nowhere to be found. I totally understood David’s lament from Psalm 41 when he said “Even my close friend, in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” The “lifting up of the heel” refers to a vicious horse, which kicks his own master. My friends didn’t do me harm, they just deserted me and it felt as if I had been kicked in the gut by a horse.
Proverbs 17:17 it says “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” A true friend will love (and be present) in all circumstances whether unfavorable or favorable.
Psalm 18:24 says “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is one who sticks closer than a brother.” The word “sticks” is also translated “cleaves.” “This kind of friendship brings something into your life that mere obligation cannot bring, and therefore nothing else comes close to a true friend. But what is interesting is that because we live in such an individualistic culture, this kind of deep friendship is often overlooked and yet it is irreplaceable. Why? It is irreplaceable because we all experience troubles and tragedies and difficulties and storms. But without deep friendship in your life, without others to go through it with us—we’ll sink. We cannot make it through trials and tribulations without this kind of deep friendship and community.” (Pruitt Cares Foundation)
At just the right time, God sent several ladies from unexpected places who grabbed my arm and assured me that I would not walk this valley alone. They never judged or criticized. They were just "there." I pray that God will make me this kind of friend for others.
Today, I am thankful for “sticky friends.”
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