Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
1 Samuel 23:16 (NLT)
Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.
Who are you encouraging this week? The account of David and Jonathan reminds us to value having friends, but also to be a good friend and encourager to others. Friendship is a blessing and needs to be nurtured and reciprocated in order to grow and thrive. In addition, Godly friends point us to Jesus. Proverbs 27:17 counsels, “as iron sharpens iron,so a friend sharpens a friend.”
We need friends by our side—all kinds of friends. Jonathan came from royalty and David came from the pasture. Yet, God brought these two men into a friendship that would provide strength for each of them in the hard times ahead. Under pursuit of crazy King Saul, the actions of these two warriors exhibited selflessness and loyalty to one another and brought glory and honor to the Lord.
“Don’t be afraid,” Jonathan reassured him. “My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father, Saul, is well aware.” So the two of them renewed their solemn pact before the Lord. Then Jonathan returned home, while David stayed at Horesh. (1 Samuel 23:17-18).
A Godly friendship leads us into obedience as we seek the Lord together and speak truth into each other’s lives. In the wisdom of Proverbs 27:9, “Oil and perfume make the heart glad,and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” I recall praying for a friend each time the military packed us up and moved us to a new town. With each new duty station and new round of familiar prayers, God faithfully filled my life with sweet ladies who stuck by my side. Do you find yourself in need of a friend today? The Lord will do the same for you too – ask Him!
God made us for relationship, and the dearest friend we could ever have is Jesus. Christ perfectly fulfills us. He is enough, yet what a beautiful demonstration of God’s abundant love that we get to experience human friendship too.
So often, we think about what we want and what we need in a friendship. David and Jonathan remind us to ask God what He wants. Simply put, people to some degree will always let us down so, rather than letting these deficits divide us, we can ask the Lord to love through us in His grace, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness.
Ask God how you can strengthen the faith of those around you this week. Then be intentional and follow through. Listen as the Holy Spirit leads you in creative ways to encourage your friends to stay strong in the Lord.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, thank you for the people you have placed in my life. Help me to glorify you through my friendships and the people I come into contact with each day. Lead me to encourage others today. Guide me to fully enjoy my dearest friendship, which is with you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
1 Thessalonians 4:1- Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.