There are many ways I see God. I see Him as my Father, my Comforter, my Hope, my Healer… There are so many wonderful attributes about Him. One of the greatest ways I’ve see Him is as my friend. To think God wants to be our friend is so humbling to me.
Jesus tells his disciples in John chapter 15 verses 13 through 15 that the greatest love comes from someone who would lay down his life for his friends. Of course, He was referring to Himself as He was going to die for us. He tells his disciples if they follow His commands, they are His friends and that no longer will they be called servants because servants don’t know what their master is doing. Christ assured them that the things He heard from His Father were revealed to them. In looking through the book of John especially, we can see the many examples Jesus gave us of His friendship with others.
God’s friendship with man is also evident in the Old Testament. He considered Abraham a friend (Isaiah 41:8, 2 Chronicles 20:7) as well as Moses (Exodus 33:11) and Job (29:4). It seems those who sought God with faithful hearts became His friend.
It is wonderful to know we have a friend in Jesus Christ. I recalled the old Hymn by Joseph M. Scriven, What a Friend We Have in Jesus. I don’t feel like there is anything I could write here to put more emphasis on this point than he did in his song.
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 thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.
It’s such a beautiful song. I hope that you will really think about the lyrics and take comfort in our faithful and loving Savior who wants to be your friend. We are truly blessed to serve a God who loves us this much.
Lyrics for What a Friend We Have in Jesus were provided courtesy of www.Hymnsite.com.