Sweet Friendship

Last week I was pouring my heart out to my dear friend Bobby. I had been having several restless nights due to a burden I’ve been carrying. Bobby prayed and encouraged me with words straight from God. Since he prayed, the restless nights have ceased! Thank You Lord!

Burdens should not only drive us to God, they should drive us to one another. Of course, not everyone is safe to share your heart with. God tells us who to trust. “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16

Did you hear that? It’s probably best to confess your sins to a righteous person. Someone who is right with God. Someone who has mourned over their sinfulness, humbly repented, and received forgiveness through the blood of Christ. That’s my friend Bobby. I trust him with my heart because I see Jesus in him. He has suffered much in life and knows that without Christ he is nothing. Bobby and I have often confessed our sins to each other. Sometimes with tears. Our friendship has been an incredible blessing for both of us.

Looking back, I know my restless nights were the result of not trusting the Lord. The enemy loves to get us doubting God’s promises. A righteous person will remind you of the faithfulness of God. Furthermore, they will pray and ask the Lord to deliver you from doubt and strengthen your faith so you can overcome any trial.

Friends, we need each other more than we know. God tells us to “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2. How can I share your burden if you don’t share it with me? It takes courage to open your heart and tell someone where you hurt or how you’ve sinned. However, if we want to find healing and wholeness, being vulnerable with a trustworthy friend is essential.

I hope and pray you’ve found someone like that. We all need a friend like Bobby!

“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” Proverbs‬ ‭17‬:‭17‬ ‭

“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9

Father, help us understand how much we need each other. Give us courage to be honest and transparent about our struggles. Highlight the friends you’ve given us who really love us and are safe to share our burdens with. Heal those of us who have been wounded by people we thought we could trust. Enable us to forgive them just as You forgave us. May we be trustworthy friends to those who need someone to share their burdens with.