Have you ever had the perfect friend?
You know, the one who is always there for you, always honest, always understanding, always kind, never tires of your constant complaining or your faults, and basically has never hurt or disappointed you in any way.
If you’re having a hard time thinking of who this person is, don’t worry, so are the rest of us. Most of us never meet “the perfect friend.”
For those who think they have, well maybe you just haven’t known them long enough or you’re very lucky. I think this quote by Bob Marley sums it up, “The truth is everyone is going to hurt you. You just have to find the ones worth suffering for.” Even the most well-meaning, excellent, most awesome friend is going to hurt you at some point even if they didn’t mean to or even know it.
And that’s understandable, I mean, none of us are perfect. But, it doesn’t hurt any less.
And it’s at those times when we are the most vulnerable that we may wonder do we really have any true friends at all. Well, I don’t know about you, but I’ve been there more times than I’d care to admit. And even though I’m blessed to have a tight group of wonderful friends and family, I have had my share of friendship heartbreaks and break-ups.
The truth is Jesus is the only “perfect” friend that any of us can truly have. He never abandons us when we’ve hit rock bottom. He doesn’t desert us when life gets hard. He never leaves us when we’ve behaved horribly. He never gets so tired of us that he just decides to leave. He never offers backhanded compliments or fake friendship. He never gives up on you. He is our constant companion.
What does constant mean?
Continuous, endless, relentless, persistent, unceasing, unremitting, faithful, devoted, stable, devoted.
He is with you when no one else is. When you are sitting in your room with the door shut, crying, and hurt, He is there. When you lay your head on your pillow at night and worry about circumstances, He is there. When all the world and the people in it have disappointed you or vice versa, He is there. All you need to do is say his name. Call out to him. He will show up.
Maybe it’s the peace that He will bring to your heart and your situation. Maybe it’s the comfort that He will offer in your spirit. Maybe it’s the people He will bring to saddle up beside you and be his hands and feet. Maybe it’s the word He will speak to your heart. Maybe it’s hurt feelings that He will take away and replace with wisdom and love. Maybe it’s correction that He will offer.
Maybe it shows up in the situation you’re facing and all of sudden you start to see the hand of God take over. Maybe the situation stays the same, but He shows up in you. And you are able to face your circumstance with new resolve steeped in the hope and faith that Jesus provides.
Whatever you are facing and wherever you are in life never forget that you have a constant companion. One who sticks closer than a brother. He is not ignorant of you or your situation. In fact, he made you and knows your innermost thoughts, insecurities, and feelings. He is readily available to you.
Speak to Him and do it often. Cultivate a relationship with Him. He wants to be your very best friend.
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24