The Best Friends

God is inviting us into a conversation with him about who he is, who we are, and what a life of faith looks like through the Scriptures. Today we are coming to 1 Samuel 23, where we continue the exploits of David.

These were some of the dark times of David's life. He used to be the winner of Israeli Idol--everyone was cheering him and singing his praises. But now he's been reduced to a fugitive, living as a nomad in desolate places. Everywhere he goes, even people he rescues try to turn him over to the king. That had to be depressing! It's troubling, God, that sometimes even the very people we've helped the most can turn on us. They are among the individuals in our lives who suck the emotional and spiritual energy right out of us. Just being around them is exhausting. But what I feel you touching my heart with is this statement:

And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. (v. 16)

I need more people like Jonathan in my life. They are the people that invigorate me. They are the spiritual energy-boosters. When I'm down and out, they are the ones that I love to hear from. God, I'm thinking of some of those people now and how you've used them to lift me up out of the dumps more than once. In my dark days, there would be an email from Jeanne with a prayer for strength. Here is one I saved:

Dear Chris~

I have been thinking of and praying for you, Lori and Steven.  I have my chapel
hour today (2-3) and will offer it for you and your children.  I know this day
will be particularly difficult and I pray you find the Spirit of the Lord in
the midst of your sadness.  

Yes, she was my Jonathan so many times even though we weren't otherwise very close. I think of Michele who points me to you on a regular basis, daily encouraging me to remember that I am yours and that you have a plan for me. I think of Scott and Greg and many others who have helped me find strength in you, God, via a phone call or a visit or something in writing. I think of Terry and Steve who drove 8 hours to come and lay hands on my shoulders and pray with me during a crisis. And I think of my mom who has been my constant encourager for all my life, who has even flown across the ocean to stand by my side and gently remind me of God's love and helped me find his strength when my own was depleted. And the list could go on.

What would I do without those people in my life? Where would I be today without my Jonathans? God, they are such immense blessings from you! They are the best friends! I pray that my friends who read this blog find that I am one of their Jonathans, along with Michele and Katrinka who regularly contribute. I hope they find help through us to access your strength. And I pray that they will add more Jonathans to their lives by taking the risk to reach out and connect on a spiritual level with other friends of yours, God. They need that kind of relationships. I also pray that we will consider who we may be a Jonathan for today, tomorrow and every day moving forward. Somebody we know right now is sinking. Let us be one who helps them find strength in you, God, our Rock, Fortress and Deliverer. Amen!

Please share your story of one of your Jonathans, or share a way that you have found that you can be a Jonathan to others. And please share this post on Facebook! (Click "f" below.) Peace.