WAITING WITH A FRIEND
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Oil and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the sweetness of a friend is better than self-counsel.
Proverbs 27:9 (CSB)
Waiting is often lonely. Others—even those closest to us—aren't able to fully enter into what we're experiencing. But isolation is not the answer. Withdrawing is not a good long-term solution.
Years ago, I remember the heartache and struggle of looking for a job. It was a lot more waiting than it was looking. I had done all I could to search ads, make calls and cry out to God for a miracle... but it was hard. The search took several years, and that became one of the most difficult seasons of my life. Looking back now, I realize that one of the things that got me through that season was having a friend who was willing to wait with me. He didn't try to fix anything. He just walked with me and waited with me. Sometimes we talked; other times we were quiet. He was simply present. We all need a friend like that.
Today's Scripture reading reminds us how refreshing a good friend can be. Just like a pleasant fragrance can lift your spirits, the encouragement and honest advice of a trusted friend can bring comfort, clarity and strength when you need it most. A good friend doesn't always have the right words. They don't always have an answer. But they can remind us that we are not alone. They pray when we're tired of praying. They believe when our faith feels weak. They sit beside us when there is nothing left to say. There are seasons when God doesn't immediately remove the waiting, but He sends someone to wait with us. And sometimes, that person becomes one of the ways God gives us the strength to keep going.
APPLICATION: Let someone in on a struggle or burden you've been carrying.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the gift of friendship. Help me carry the burdens of others with love, and give me the humility to let others carry mine. Surround me with friends who bring wisdom, encouragement and sweetness to my life and help me be that kind of friend to others. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?