One of my all-time favorite hit songs is “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor. If the ballad comes on the radio, I immediately turn up the dial and start singing along. I love the lyrics, but the truth of those words hasn’t always rung true in my actual life. I wish I could just literally close my eyes and think of a friend when I am down and troubled, and then watch someone come running to give me a helping hand.
It’s a great theory, but an unreasonable expectation. The truth is sometimes I “phone a friend” to give me the answer to my problems, and a frazzled woman sends me a text message two days later in response. My friends are dealing with sick toddlers, ailing older parents, and loads of laundry. I am not the only person overwhelmed with troubles.
And, frankly, let’s be honest, some friends are great at coffee dates and karaoke parties, but if you suddenly are not the life of the party anymore, they don’t know how to handle your grief. Sunshine sidekicks can’t handle all the sudden rain, and so they choose not to say anything or even show up with an umbrella. Walking through a season of sorrow teaches you that some people are just fair-weather friends.
Have you learned this sad lesson? Perhaps you were counting on someone to help you pick up the pieces, and you ended up with just more pain. Sister, the Lord Jesus knows how you feel. He died on a cruel cross, and all His friends fled. No one understands betrayal and loss more than our Savior. You can share your disappointment with Him and trust He will count all your tears (Psalm 56:8).
You have a faithful friend in Jesus. He will never leave you or abandon you. You can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can people do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6) Your sacrificial Savior is never too busy to meet your needs. He can handle your mess, and He will always speak life over you.
Jesus will forever be that one true friend who “sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). You can cry out His mighty name this very moment, wherever you are, and trust He is with you. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you’ve got to do is call. Your Helper will surely come with His comfort to brighten up even your darkest night.
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