Day 3: Closer than a brother
And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God (1 Samuel 23:16).
Heavenly Father, thank You for our relationships—our circles and connections, and the ties that bind in so many ways. Thank You for the gift of friendship.
We know that friends can make a huge difference—wisdom from Your word tells us that One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).
Lord, You are the ultimate friend who sticks closer than a brother. And it is amazing that You, the Holy and Exalted God, call us friend (John 15:15). But in this world with its stresses and strains, pressures and demands, we are grateful for those who come alongside us, in this our journey together.
We are grateful for those who understand our raw and honest needs, who do not require us to wear a mask, or suppress the truth, or hide the realities of our imperfect lives. We thank You for their prayers, their support, and their unconditional love. We are especially grateful for the special ones in our lives—the "Jonathans" who seek us out in the wilderness places, and offer us hope, encouragement, and strength in God.
O Father, strengthen us in love and unity, so that we can both give and receive support, encouragement, help, and strength. In a world that fosters a mindset of independence, self-reliance, and self-centeredness, teach us to live by the principle You taught us, that Two are better than one. (Ecclesiastes 4:9)
May our eyes, our ears, and our hearts be open and ready to see those who are in need of being lifted, being warmed, or being defended (Ecclesiastes 4: 10-12). Weave our lives, O Lord, into unbreakable cords of love and friendship.
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