Friend, You Are Jesus’ Friend

Do you ever catch yourself wondering who your friends are?

I mean real friends. The ones with whom you can be who you really are. With whom you can let your guard down. With whom you can be transparent and authentic with.

You know, those friends who accept your quirks, your messes, and your humor (or lack of).

Those are real friends.

Maybe you don’t believe you have anyone in your life who lets you be you in his or her presence. Maybe you’ve been hurt by someone you thought was one of those friends. Or it’s quite possible you don’t really want to open yourself up to anyone in that way.

Friend, you do have someone who is a friend, with whom you can be yourself, who will never hurt you, and with whom you’ll be safe to let into your heart.

Check this out:

I don’t call you servants any longer; servants don’t know what the master is doing, but I have told you everything the Father has said to Me. I call you friends. John 15:15

Yes, Jesus calls you his friend.

He’s One who will never turn his back on you. He’ll never leave your side. He’ll encourage you when you need it most, He’ll bless you in ways you won’t expect, and He’ll believe the best in you. Always.

You can be yourself with Him. You don’t have to earn His friendship, and you won’t have to jump through hoops to keep it either.

You can tell Him everything… your frustrations, your joys, your sorrows. He understands.

He’s the perfect friend.

These words below of a hymn from long ago say it better than I:

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Rejoice in this truth today: You are Jesus’ friend.

Amen!

Julie

 

It’s Day 12 of 31 Days #CelebratingWhoYouAre. What a truth to celebrate on this Monday! Why not spend some time with your friend today?? Thanks for stopping over for a few minutes.