A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Prov. 17:17 (NIV)
When we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus. 2 Cor. 7:5-6 (NIV)
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today“. Heb. 3:13 (NIV)
When we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus. 2 Cor. 7:5-6 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, I woke up today very thankful for the friends you’ve woven into my life and story—the brothers and sisters who pursue me, though my default mode is withdrawal; who reach out to bear my burdens, though I feign self-sufficiency and hate to be a bother; who comfort me when I’m downcast, though I struggle to be emotionally honest and own my weaknesses.
Father, thank you for friends who know how to encourage me with their presence and words. They remind me of the gospel, and help me get a better perspective on disappointments and hurts. They “call me out” from self-pity and cynicism, to faith, freedom, and hope; and they call me up, just to make time to chat, play and “hang.”
Make me the same kind of friend, Father, especially in this next season of life. Whether you give me ten or twenty more years of life, I want to finish my days in this world as an encourager and comforter—a conduit of your daily mercies, sufficient grace, and gospel-sanity. I don’t need to accumulate more stuff, and I certainly don’t need to get busier. As I preach it, so may I live it: “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.” (Gal. 5:6). May my appointed days be increasingly filled with loving well.
Father, I’m an incalculably rich man because of the way you love me in Jesus—the true friend of sinners. But I’m also incredibly rich as I do the math on my gospel-posse, sojourning-Home mates, and all-season-loving friends. Love them, and others, through me, to your glory. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ kind and glorious name.