A True Friend

Our world is a crazy place. I'm sure you're well aware of that. There have been several moments over the course of the last few days when I've felt like I was drowning in anxiety and confusion. Chances are, you've felt this way at some point too.

Amidst all these swirling emotions, I've felt a nudge to return to the simplicity of the Gospel. I want to live like Jesus is my friend and Lord. I want to follow Him, even when it hurts. I want to love Him and others well.

Not that I'm not already doing these things to some extent. However, I believe there's always a call to go deeper.

I'm reminded of the words to the old hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus":

What a friend we have in Jesus,

all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

all because we do not carry

everything to God in prayer!

This hymn is one of my favorites, and I'm comforted every time I hear these words. If I'm being honest with myself, I usually fail to "carry everything to God in prayer". But I desire to learn to trust Him more deeply, and make my friendship with Him the highest priority of my life.

I hope all this encourages you in some way. Saint Teresa of Avila said, "If Christ Jesus dwells in a man as his friend and noble leader, that man can endure all things, for Christ helps and strengthens us and never abandons us. He is a true friend."

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"No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."

- John 15:15 (ESV)