My Perfect Friend
This past week I got together with two of my best friends whom I haven't seen much over this winter. The busyness of our schedules paired with a never-ending cycle of illnesses left us to converse over group text for the greater portion of the past couple months. Sharing some newborn snuggles, preparing lunch for a house full of rambunctious children, laughing over coffee cups, and just being together left my heart feeling so full and happy. Spending time with people who know me, who know my loves, my hates, my talents, my weaknesses and my troubles, is easy. It's easy and comfortable. I don't feel like I have to try to impress them or pretend to be somebody that I'm not. They just get me, and I get them. You want to know something pretty cool? (I totally sound like my three year old saying that.) Jesus is our best friend too!
Jesus knows us so well that he knows the hairs on our head!
Luke 12:7, "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered."
He protects me and gives me solid advice!
Isaiah 40:11, "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have youth."
He can finish my sentences before I even think them!
Psalm 139: 1-3, "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.
He not only listens to me, he answers me!
Matthew 7:7-8, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
He loves me so much that he died for me.
John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
Jesus has been there for me through all the highs in my life and all the lows. He knows all my strengths and my weaknesses. He knows all my passions and my insecurities. He knows what gives me joy and what brings me down. He knows all my dreams and all that I am thankful for (though I'm sure I could probably tell Him those more frequently!).
Jesus knows all of me but still loves me anyway. He leaves my heart feeling full and happy. Friendship with Him is easy and comfortable.
What a friend. What a reliable, loving, tolerant, forgiving, comforting and perfect friend.
And since you are probably already humming this in your head, here are the words (so it doesn't drive you crazy when you can't remember the middle of the second verse).
What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, 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 your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer. In his arms he'll take and shield you; You will find a solace there.
Dear Jesus, Thank you! Thank you for being my perfect friend. I'm sorry for all the times I've thought and acted like I didn't need your friendship! Teach me. Lead me. Protect me. Help me to remember to go to you first and foremost and to rely on you (instead of me). Amen.
