A Forever Friend

My husband Daniel and I just returned from a one-week trip to West Virginia from our home in Illinois. There was a wedding to attend on the last part of our trip, but we arrived earlier, just to visit friends. It had been four years since we’d seen some of them, but we had reconnected with others two years ago, when we made a trip back for a funeral.

What things come to mind that are so special about friends? Friends share memories and history with us; maybe they helped us grow during a particularly hard time. Maybe a friend brings laughter, joy, advice, and comfort to our life. But there is something unique about reconnecting with those we love and appreciate. A reunion of sorts.

There’s just something extra delightful when we can be together in person, updating each other on what’s happened since our last time together. Lingering at a meal, laughing, and remembering the fun times together —it’s very bonding, isn’t it?

On our last trip, my husband and I attended a church he used to pastor, so the time of worship, followed by a shared meal and fellowship, was precious and uplifting. Reconnections. Listening, talking, and enjoying each other’s company.

Then, the wedding. A lovely occasion, made even better by all the friends who were also there to share that special occasion. Lots of pictures taken, catching up on the latest, hugs, and time together.

All these things are just a foretaste of Heaven. Can you imagine what it will be like to spend eternity with our very Best Friend, Jesus? Never to be separated from Him again, speaking face to face, embracing and worshiping Him! Hearing our life story from His perspective, the times of protection from heavenly angels, His guidance over the years and the miracles wrought on our behalf. All because of love – the love of our Friend, Jesus.

Sometimes I struggle to think that Jesus still loves me when I choose a wrong path or when I think I’ve disappointed Him—again. But what is the truth? I must go by what the Bible says in regard to the constant love of Jesus for me. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). “But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Human friends can let us down, turn their backs on us, and drop us like hot potatoes. Maybe you’ve had that experience with those who you thought were truly your friends, only to have something cause a separation, a rift in your relationship, bringing hurt and pain. No amount of reaching out resulted in a reconciliation. But with Jesus, our names are inscribed on the palms of His hands, and we are the apple of His eye (Isaiah 49:16 and Zechariah 2:8). Jesus is a faithful Friend, never leaving or forsaking us (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Be encouraged and draw closer to Jesus as you read the lyrics from the hymn, “I’ve Found a Friend, O Such a Friend.” Jesus is truly our Forever Friend!

I’ve found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!
He loved me ere I knew Him;

He drew me with the cords of love,

And thus He bound me to Him.
And round my heart still closely twine

Those ties which naught can sever,
For I am His, and He is mine,
Forever and forever.

I’ve found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!
He bled, He died to save me;
And not alone the gift of life,
But His own self He gave me.
Naught that I have my own I call,
I hold it for the Giver;
My heart, my strength, my life, my all,
Are His, and His forever.

I’ve found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!
So kind, and true, and tender,
So wise a Counsellor and Guide,
So mighty a Defender!
From Him who loves me now so well,
What power my soul can sever?
Shall life or death, or earth or hell?
No! I am His forever.

“I’ve Found a Friend, O Such a Friend” by James G. Small. Public domain.