Yesterday I had a real treat at lunch. I met at a local
restaurant with one of my oldest and dearest friends. That in itself would be
wonderful. But I had a double delight. We were joined by one of my newest
friends! My “old” friend and my “new” friend are friends, so that just made it
extra special. It was a wonderful visit. The food was so good. But the
fellowship, now that was out of this world.
We talked about pets, friends, homes, and the Lord. We
laughed and reminisced and found out more about one another. We caught up on
things and shared important information – some things we can pray about for one
another. It was all good.
The encouragement of the saints is such a spiritual and
eternal delight. Without friends in the faith, it would be hard to make it.
Their testimonies, their words of encouragement, their commitment and their joy
spread from one to another like the wind fans flames. I feel refreshed, renewed
and recommitted to taking more time for these little visits.
Even the Bible tells us that we need one another. In these
days, when everyone is doing whatever they want, when Christians and their
beliefs are being made fun of and ignored or cursed, it’s very comforting to
have real friends.
If things were to change tomorrow and for one reason or
another we could no longer visit I would be sad. I can’t predict what might
happen, but I know the One who holds us in His hands. And I know the One who has
caused our fellowship to be so sweet. I can trust Him to be my friend when
others walk away or move away or pass away. Whatever the circumstances are, it
is enough to know that God promises to be with us always.
Oh beloved, maybe you’re yearning for the sweet fellowship
you once had. You long for the old days when friends remained friends forever and
most everyone held the same values, hopes and ideals. God cannot promise you
that you can return to your childhood world, but He does promise that in Him
you can find all the joy, comfort and delight you need. He is your
encouragement in sorrow. He is your joy in troubled times. He is your constant
companion, no matter who comes into your life or who walks out. He promises to
be with you always and to keep in fellowship with you by His Spirit and by His
Word. He is a friend who lives forever, He is a confidante who never gives up,
He is the King who will never turn you away from His kingdom!
Your very best Friend loves you and He’s for you and that’s
worth keeping in touch!
Philemon 1:6 …and I pray that the fellowship of your faith
may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you
for Christ’s sake.
Proverbs 27:9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a
man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.
Psalm 16:8 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be
shaken, for He is right beside me.
Hebrews 10:22-23 Let us go right into the presence of God
with sincere hearts fully trusting Him. For our guilty consciences have been
sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed
with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm,
for God can be trusted to keep His promise.