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"A man who has friends must himself be friendly. But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
(Proverbs 18:24)
Great friendships take time to develop. The work and investment, however, are well worth the effort. If you can name five close friends in your life, friends that would be there for you no matter what, then you are a blessed man or woman. God did not intend for us to live in isolation. I believe the Devil does his best work against us when we are alone.
Jesus is that friend that sticks closer than a brother. He loves us and will never leave or forsake us. He demonstrated His eternal love for us by giving His life for our lives on the cross at Calvary. As the old hymn aptly states: "What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer."
While attending the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention last week, the highlight for me was to be able to connect with some lifelong friends. With over 21,000 people in attendance, it was very crowded and impossible to see all my friends and spend time with each one. But what a blessing it was for Ashley and me to see some of our dear friends from the past and make some new friends as well.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll said that true friends are those where no words have to be spoken when you are in their presence. That is so true. You don't have awkward silent moments where you feel the need to fill the empty space with words. Another feature about true friendships is, even though you may not have seen each other in quite some time, within a few moments, it feels like you had spoken to him or her just yesterday.
Friendship is a creation of God and a gift from God. I am so grateful to God that He brings friends into our lives, people that we can bless and be blessed by... people like the Mortons and the Lees. Ashley and I have known Endel and Kathy Lee for almost 40 years. We met them while attending the University of Mobile. Endel has enjoyed an influential career both in the ministry and in the military. He is a retired Navy Rear Admiral and currently works in the Chaplaincy Department of the North American Mission Board. His wife, Kathy, is a very gifted singer and has supported Endel during times when his calling took him away from home for months at a time.
The other couple in the picture below are Scott and Melinda Morton. I have known Scott all of my life--literally all my life--because he is my first cousin and as close to me as a brother. Scott retired as a Commander in the Navy and currently serves on staff at a church in Alabama. His wife, Melinda, is such a blessing. She makes everyone she meets a little happier. Whenever we see the Mortons and the Lees, Ashley and I have a great time. We reminisce and we also laugh a lot.
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