Our Family Time with God

Nov. 9,2009

THE BLESSING OF

A GOOD FRIEND

Scripture Reading--1 Samuel 18:1-9

David needed a good friend. King Saul, who was jealous because of David's victory over Goliath, had threatened his life. Several times, Saul had also tried to kill David ( 18:11, 19:10 ), and he had told his servants to kill David if they could ( 19:1, 11 ). Needless to say, David's life was in jeopardy, and turmoil ruled the circumstances of his life.

During those desperate days, God gave David a faithful companion and friend named Jonathan. The twist in the story is that Jonathan was Saul's son. In fact, his friendship with David put Jonathan's life at risk; his father didn't want anyone assisting David. During this time, however, these two young men were drawn together to support. protect, and encourage each other.

In our Scripture reading, we read that "the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David" ( v. 1 ). These men shared with each other in such a way that they became a part of each other's lives. The Bible tells us that they loved each other as they love their own lives.

David's friendship with Jonathan became a great blessing for both of them. Verse 14 says that "the Lord was with him [ David ]," but humanly speaking, David was alone much of the time. Yet during those times of great seclusion, Jonathan was there as David's friend. Together, they were able to go on, living their own lives but also living for the person they called their friend.

If you have a good friend, thank the Lord for that person. Friends are a gift from God, a blessing God has brought into your life for your benefit. You will be amazed to see how God--and your friend--will be there for you during the most difficult times of life.

EXERCISE: Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Note when a true friend will be there for you.

--Tom Palmer--