The Friendship of Christ

The other day I was listening to a sermon on some of the attributes of God, specifically along the lines of the Lord being "A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3). It got me to
thinking again on just how real the friendship of Christ is, or can be. How intimately He understands us. It's hard for me to remember sometimes, because when you're lonely, one of the things you crave most is the physical affection, and physical closeness, and sometimes that can cause discouragement at the "lack" of such in the spiritual walk. However, if you consider all of the other elements of a genuine friendship, the qualities that make for a strong and enduring friendship, the verse "There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother" becomes quite real.

Faithfulness and loyalty…so long as we are born again, no matter what we do, He abides by His promises to us.

Strength and confidence…in the Word, like a friend reminding us of the truth, strengthening and encouraging us when we're weak, afraid, or uncertain.

Advice in the Word…like when we seek answers from a friend for understanding or guidance.

Comfort and gentleness…all in the Word, the solid foundation which the Scriptures offer, the peace and assurance it gives, the reason to look for the future, that "the hope which is laid up for you in heaven." Friends might not be able to prevent sorrow or calamity, but they can offer that comfort.

Understanding…"a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief"…a friend who knows who you are, weaknesses and strengths, how you think and feel…only far more so with Christ, who knows even more about us than we do ourselves, all the very worst and best, with no secret hidden from Him.

Communication…the "letters" He wrote to us, enclosed in the Bible…to us like from a friend who writes a letter which we read over and over in order to feel closer to them from the distance.

And yes, companionship…when you do get in the Word enough that it begins to become a part of you, "hid in mine heart", and verses randomly come to mind throughout the day, like David said "I am a companion of all them that fear thee"…his Psalms, in our heart and thoughts. And, though I'm still not very confident in prayer, that is the other part of the companionship…where I'm not down on my knees deliberately praying, but through the day thinking of some line of Scripture, asking some question, seeking an answer, almost like a real conversation, and not completely one sided.

I'm sure there are other elements too, these are just some that first come to mind. I feel like I take it for granted a lot…seeing all the verses, the promises in the Scriptures, the personal side of the relationship, but it not really resonating. Sort of like when you hear a doctrine so much, you "know" it's true, but it's not that personal. When you do place it on a personal level though, and compare it with strong, earthly friendships, and consider what these friendships are based off, it certainly makes the spiritual friendship seem more real and tangible.

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!

Have we trials and temptations?

  Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged,

  Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful

  Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness,

  Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,

  Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge—

  Take it to the Lord in prayer;

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

  Take it to the Lord in prayer;

In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,

  Thou wilt find a solace there.

* Note: I wrote this a while back but didn't post it. Incidentally, the subject is something that has been prominent in my mind of late.