September 2024

I find myself thinking about friendship, prompted by making friends with a fabulous emu last month. I confess, I became rather smitten, even if it only befriended me because of the food in my hand!
Of course, I have ‘proper’ and wonderful friendships too, for which I’m IMMENSELY grateful. If you’re one of them – thank you for your love, care, kindness, support and patience. I am aware, however, that many people today who lack friends, suffer isolation and loneliness. If you would like support, do take a look at Sheridan Voysey’s Friendship Lab. As the project prepares to launch you’ll find some free friend-making tools.

But what about my friendship with God? Am I an ’emu’ friend, coming to Him only for what I can get? Am I like Abraham, a friend of God who unreservedly believes, so proactively acts in faith on His promises? Am I a friend of Jesus, taking time to be with Him, to love and worship Him, enjoy silent companionship and listen to Him? Am I sharing His perspective on life – and on my life – realising that His life is the best, inspiring me to align my life to His so I can enjoy it and convey it ‘to the full’ (John 10:10)?

Emus aside, I do believe God wants us to be friends who ‘ask’ Him for things, whether for comfort, guidance, help or provision. It would be unbiblical if I didn’t!! But friendship is also about believing in God’s awesome truth in my heart and not just my head, so yielding my life to loving, serving and being present to His perspective, priorities, ways and will.
But the fundamental reality of friendship is that it grows by just being together; enjoying one another’s company. Listening. Speaking. Loving. Sharing hearts and minds.

Dwell with how you’re growing your friendship with Jesus this month. Enjoy taking time to draw close to Him in prayer and presence of mind. Receive His love, care, kindness, support and patience with an open heart. How might you show your love for Him too?
Believe in all He has promised you and take His hand so you might walk in step with His Life through your day.
If you would value further insights and help on friendship with Jesus, I warmly recommend Amy Boucher Pye’s, Transforming Love, How Friendship With Jesus Changes Us.