A Friend Indeed

We all go through difficult times and in these times we need encouragement, a listening ear and a strong and willing shoulder to cry or lean on. In those periods when you have lost a job, a loved one, in pain, broken-hearted, worried and wearied by many issues, you need someone to count on.

A favorite Bible character, David went through a tumultuous time in his life. We can say that the fifteen or so years between his crowning and acceding to the throne as king were dark(est) times. He had quickly moved from beloved giant slayer to fugitive hounded by the very king he had faithfully served. He and his entourage moved from cave to cave; had to beg for food; hid among the Philistines; had to pretend to be mad to escape death in Philistine country, suffered betrayal from cities he risked his life to save, the list is endless. Many times he escaped from Saul by the skin of his teeth. Though God was with him every step of the way, it is not a stretch to deduce that he must have felt tired, sad, dejected, distressed, depressed and at times lonely.

It was against this backdrop that his BFF, his ride or die, Jonathan showed up. What a sight to sore eyes and his words were music to David’s ears. “Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.”” I Samuel 23:16‭-‬17. Wow! What a blessing Jonathan (who should have become king after his father) was to David that day. His words must have boosted David’s confidence to the highest level and I can almost see him walking with his shoulders squared and a spring in his step.

Job was not so blessed. In his darkest times, his wife entreated him to curse God, his best friends accused him of all sorts of imaginary wrongs, his family deserted him only to show up after God restored Job and gave him double for his trouble.

Who strengthens your hand in your trying times? My prayer for you today is that God will bring some Jonathans your way and keep the Eliphazes (Job’s friend) far away from you. Most importantly, may God make you a Jonathan to those around you who are distressed. Encourage someone today.

Blessings.

Love,
Lady Monica ❤