I don’t know who you had for friends when you were a kid, but I had plenty.
These friends of my childhood went by different names such as Dale, Glenn, Ross, Scott and Brian. It was Brian that I spent the most time with. I knew him as Brian while others called him Shorty because that’s what he was.
I particularly remember Brian when we were both teenagers. We drove all around Kelowna in his little green Toyota Corolla listening to Paul McCartney and Wings’ Band on the Run, and Brian drove that car as if it was doing just that.... running.
It wasn’t long before Brian became friends with my family. He spent warm summer days at our house, enjoying my mother’s desserts.
It seemed Brian was always there. Even though Brian was different, some say even a little strange, he was and continues to be a great friend.
Even today, when I go to Kelowna, Brian and I still meet at Tim Horton’s for coffee. Our friendship has lasted over 40 years. There is something about having friends that makes life interesting.
On Sept. 8, the Tri-Community Baptist Church in Beiseker is planning a special Sunday called “Friends Day.” It’s a special Sunday to celebrate friendships and the kind of friends God encourages us to have. You are invited to join us. Our service starts at 11a.m.. Plan to stay for lunch after the service.
Sometimes it’s important to stop once in awhile and take an inventory of what we do have... things such as friends.
But as great as friends are in this life, the greatest friend we can have is Jesus Christ. While friends in this life can add much to your life, Jesus as a friend will give you more.
Take some time and catalog his kindness. Everything from sunsets to salvation.... just look at what you have. In Proverbs 18:24 it says, “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother!” The Bible talks a lot about friendship. For instance, David had a friend named Jonathan. Someone who protected him and looked out for David’s best interest. He wanted nothing more than David’s happiness. Jesus wants to be that kind of friend to you and more.
He once said, “I am with you always, even to the end of time!” Jesus also said, “I give you eternal life and those who believe will never die.””.... “No one will take them out of my hands.”
Don’t you long for one true friend like that? We often do because we fear being alone. But God has a love for us that casts out all our fear. You are not alone. So why not make Jesus your refuge? Not your job or your spouse or your reputation. Let Jesus encircle you and be the one you depend on. You can run your options past him and you know he understands and can help you find the wisest decision to make.
So if you need a friend who is always there for you, then let Jesus be that friend you need. Talk to Him. Spare no detail. Disclose your fear and describe your dread.
You might just find your hurt disappearing. in Jesus you have a friend for life. What could be better than that?
This column is submitted by Tri-Community Baptist Church in Beiseker.
