Burdens, Blessings and a Friend

“I will be with you always.”

– Matthew 28:20

I’ve been writing a lot lately about friendship and gratitude. We’ve talked about needing friends, being a friend, and about the blessings that can be found if we are thankful in all things.

Today at church the two topics came together in a surprising way. Our pastor has been doing a sermon series entitled “The God of All Comfort,” and the message he shared today was about the comfort of steadying strength, based on 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Below I am sharing some points the Pastor made, supporting scripture verses, and my thoughts from today’s message.

1) Find Refuge in the Lord.
Scripture: “Pour out your heart to God, for He is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8).
Thought: Pouring out our heart ... Isn’t that what we do when with our best friend? We have common interests, share everything, listen to each other, care about and encourage one another, and give/ seek advice.

I was reminded of the song, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, written by Joseph Scriven in the 1800’s. Over two hundred years later, his words still assure us that Jesus will bear our sins and grief, our trials and temptations, our troubles and heavy loads. The song still reminds us what a “privilege” it is to carry everything to the Lord in prayer, and that He will never forsake us.

In Acts 4:13, it was evident that Peter and John were truly friends of Jesus. People could tell they were followers of Jesus by the changes in their lives. I asked myself, “Am I truly a friend of Jesus? Do my actions reflect the refuge I find in the Lord?”

2) Reject a Bitter Spirit.
Scripture: “Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you ... it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives” (Hebrews 12:15).
Thought: Bitterness corrodes from the inside out, but it is impossible to be bitter when you have a spirit of gratitude. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us that we need to give thanks to God IN all circumstances. It does not say FOR our circumstances.

During our communion service a soloist sang Blessings which is a popular song performed by Christian artist Laura Story. When we share everything with a friend, we acknowledge the good and the bad. The same is true with being thankful. Through our gratitude we are given insight to God’s work in every aspect of our lives (even the blessings which may come through difficult times – our “mercies in disguise).

3) Remind myself of the strength of the Lord’s Resources.
Scripture: “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).
Thought: Everyone longs for friendship, to be in relationships. But unfortunately our earthly friendships eventually come to an end. God desires a relationship with us too, but it is a different kind of connection - His is an eternal friendship.

Today I was reminded that there had to be weakness in order for there to be power in the resurrection. When Joseph Scriven wrote the words to the song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” he wrote from the pain and experience of his grief, burdens, trials, and sorrow.

John 15:13 tells us, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” God has asked us to practice that same sacrificial love with others. When we acknowledge our blessings, we can truly see the goodness, power, and strength of the Lord. It is important to share that knowledge and truth with others. “Do I have a friend that needs to know this kind of love?”

Today I am thankful that I have a best friend. His name is Jesus. He wants to be your friend too. We should never take any friendship for granted, so this week ... visualize Jesus walking, working, and standing beside you throughout the day - speak to Him as you would your best friend. “In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there” (Scriven, J).

May you find peace “in His arms” today and every day.
God’s Peace, Donna Weaver

Don’t walk in front of me. I may not follow.

Don’t walk behind me. I may not lead.

Walk beside me and be my friend.

- Albert Camus

Needing a Friend (Part 1)

Make new friends, but keep the old

One is silver, the other gold.

Who would have known that a song our Brownie Troop learned when I was a young girl, would be a reminder of such an important message almost 50 years later?

I have to admit that this weekend was quiet and a little lonely for me. My hours were filled with school work, house cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping – all the weekend “to do’s” ... but something was missing.

I have moved many times in my life and in the past I have adjusted quickly, jumping in to activities and making new friends along the way. I am a people-person and usually pretty out-going, so I have never experienced problems with feeling “at home” in a new place... until now. I know that it was God’s plan for me to move to Colorado and I really love it here. I also find the people to be friendly and welcoming.  So, you might be asking....what is your problem?

I hadn’t been able to figure out my problem until I read a blog yesterday and the writer seemed to be pulling the words straight from my heart to her computer. She expressed the following words, “My biggest issue since I moved was I had no people of my own to call, friends.” All I could say was, “Yes, I understand.” She went on to say, “All my best friends were back where I had moved from.” Again I said, “Yes, exactly.” Then she expressed how she felt she was becoming a “recluse”... my heart skipped a beat. No, it’s not possible, not me! I knew at that moment, it was no coincidence that I had read her blog. You see, I am a firm believer that God puts others in our lives at the perfect time - to encourage us, help us realize our pain, or show us hope through the victory of someone else’s struggles.

The words of a complete stranger had help me reveal my unsettled feeling, the fact... I was choosing to be a “loner.” Don’t get me wrong, I have found a wonderful church, joined a Bible study, and have even been invited to a few social activities. But being involved and meeting new people is a lot different than having a friend that you can call up to go shopping or to the movies. Maybe my choice was because of the busyness in my life, or the fact that I hadn’t admitted that Colorado was really my home. God has called us to be in community with others and whatever my reasons were, I was being disobedient to God and things had to change.

So, today I spent time thanking God for the blessing of friendships. I thanked Him for my very best friend in the world, Diana. Even though we live far away from each other, we share a long-standing relationship that has spanned over 20 years. When we talk on the phone, it’s like we pick up right where we left off. When we send and receive cards, it’s always the perfect sentiment. I am also thankful for the many friends that are scattered across the country that have left imprints on my heart forever. I love keeping in touch and cherish the many cards and letters we share. I even said a special thank you for the friends from my youth that I have been able to reunite with on Facebook. I've found peace in my heart and know how truly blessed I am! 

I have been humming the tune of my childhood song all day long. As I think of the words that go with the tune, I realize that I have mastered the “keep the old” part, but my prayer today is that God will open the eyes of my heart and help me “make new friends” with those He has chosen to put in my life... right here in Colorado.

Friends are a gift from God, give thanks for them and to them! Be sure to check back on Friday for Part 2 of my post on “friendship” - Being a Friend.

God’s Peace, Donna Weaver

“Many people will walk in and out of your life.

But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt