befriend
“I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit”
John 15:15-16
What a friend we have in Jesus. The one who refuses to leave our side in the midst of all that we are — the good, the fruitful, the ugly, the sinful. He simply walks with us and says, “I am here, will you let me in?”
Our Father simply wants our heart.
The second month of the year can be a struggle for many of us. Some of our resolutions have started to falter, seasonal depression is prevalent for many, and it can be common to wonder, “why am I not further than this?” Wether it be life, stagnancy in a job, or working through something relational; the wish to be through something is real.
No matter where we are or what we’re doing, it can sometimes pose hard to feel like we aren’t alone in our situation.
But Jesus. Sweet, sweet Jesus.
Think about the ideal, best friend. Maybe you have someone you can relate him too, or maybe you have a picture in your mind of someone who takes support and encouragement a step further than you’re used to. We have all of that, and then some, in our sacred friendship with Jesus.
He’s the one that lends a shoulder to cry on, listens to every thought, complaint, question, and wish, and gives encouragement through each and every day. And the best part? He simply sits with us in it. All he asks in return is for us to open our hearts, and let him in.
It’s as simple and wonderful as it sounds, my friend. Jesus is with you, and he will never let you walk alone.
How special is that?
With love,
Madison Leigh King
additional reading:
John 17:26 / Colossians 3:12-14 / Joshua 1:5 / Psalm 91:14-16
centering prayer:
Jesus, sweet Jesus. Thank you for the gift of friendship. For your listening ear, your shoulder to cry on, your support and encouragement. Thank you for never letting me walk alone. You are everything I ever needed in a friend and I am forever grateful. I love you. Amen.
