The thought occurred to me this morning through suppressed tears. I just need a good friend.

Frazzled would be a fitting word to describe my heart and mind lately, but I couldn’t put my finger on why. Deep aches of loneliness and disappointment often lead me to busy distraction and consumption with my current commitments and indulgences. And this tendency cycles back to its root, when no one seems to care about my “goings-on.”

Do you know this feeling? Let me try another angle… Imagine you are anxiously excited to share your most recent brewing and bubbling thoughts with a friend. Yet somehow after spilling it on her, you wind up feeling more like a nuisance when her own distracted brokenness blocks her ability to be fully present, show compassion, and allow you to feel seen. 

Not necessarily any fault of her simple humanness. But nonetheless, there you are, still lonely and disappointed… and depression starts to trickle in.

You just need a friend.

Surely you have deep cravings for that fully interested, engaged, sad-when-you’re-sad, excited-when-you’re-excited friend?

I think we all want this. Right?

And even if you’ve got some of the best friends the world has to offer (I’m actually married to one), well… they aren’t perfect. In fact, it’s not their job to be your everything – all. the. time. They weren’t created for that.

But, good news is coming! That I was reminded of with a gentle touch of comfort in my reflection this morning. I already have the most perfect friend. We both do.

God is your perfect friend. Jesus said to the disciples before he ascended into heaven, “surely I am with you always.” The Bible offers promises not just reminding us that he is always with us, but also that we are fully known before we even think or speak, AND that we are perfectly loved.

What better friend could we ask for when our hearts are feeling frazzled, alone, or desperate for a genuine hug?

Take comfort in knowing that you’ve got one. He’s right there with you through it all… Always.

Reflect:

Could you use a 100% dependable, devoted friend? Will you join me today in expressing gratitude to our flawless friend who is right beside us?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, you are the best friend I could ever ask, and you offer an ever-present embrace. Help me to receive your longing gaze into my perfectly loved-by-you soul, and to acknowledge your gift of protection, interest, and care over the details of my life. Thank you for adoring me every moment of every day. In your precious name, amen.

Seek the Word:

Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:15b)  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20b) “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-” (John 10:14) Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. (Psalm 139:4)

Have a blessed week!

Your friend, Keri Ann

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