Your Daily Devotional for June 7, 2007

 

June 7,  2007

 

 

The Support of a Godly Friend

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

"And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good: For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause? And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain. And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past."

 

1 Samuel 19:4-7

 

 

Over the past few days we have seen the advantages of developing godly friendships. Not only do godly friends help protect each other from spiritual danger, but godly friends help support each other in times of need.

 

In our verses today, we see another example of Jonathan and David's godly friendship. King Saul had just commanded Jonathan and all his servants to find and kill David. Jonathan warned David and helped him escape. Jonathan then spoke to his father and persuaded him not to kill David.

Jonathan was a friend who supported David in his time of need. Too often we see people in our world today walking away when difficulties arise. Either in marriage, friendship, or employment, the world's solution to difficult situations is to run. But God wants us to support our friends when they are in need. Jonathan stayed and supported David even though his own safety was at risk.

 

Many times we can support a friend with a word of encouragement or note of thanks that helps lift their burdens. Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." A godly friend loves at all times—no matter what! We may not always know when a friend is going through a trial or difficulty, yet as we continue to love them at all times, God will help us support them in their time of need.

 

Someone once said, "Prosperity begets friends, adversity proves them." It is easy for many people to be a friend when things are going well, but true, godly friends will provide support even in times of need.

 

A godly friend never looks for what they can get out of a friendship, but they are constantly looking for ways to support their friends. You do not have to do something big to provide support for a friend; it could be a phone call, a small present, or even a simple smile. It is usually the small things done at just the right time that helps support a friend the most.

 

Are you providing support for your friends in their times of need? Take time right now to think of a friend who needs your support. Think of something you can do to help them today. Ask Christ to help you be a godly friend and help others in need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 28-29 • John 17

 

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