Daily Encouragement: Year 2, Day 82
From Handbook to God’s Promises
GOD’S RESPONSE TO ME
What a Friend We Have
Read Psalm 145:17–20
You notice that your friend and coworker has not been herself recently. She is distant, distracted, and has a cloudy countenance. All the signs of a personal problem are there, yet you’re not sure how to help. Your friend hasn’t given any evidence of a relationship with God, but you sense that she would probably be open to a biblical perspective on her situation. But where do you begin?
After breaking the ice with her at lunch, you gently offer to put her in touch with Someone who has helped you work through a number of your own personal problems in the past.“Anne,” you begin, smiling, “the person I want you to meet will sound too good to be true. But let me tell you about Him, and then I’ll tell you how to get in touch with Him. Time after time He has counseled me and given me the help I need. Here’s why I keep going back: His motives are pure, and His manner is gentle. I never feel threatened or used when I talk with Him. He’s not hard to get an appointment with; He’s located right here in town.
“But—I have found this one thing about Him that was a stretch for me at first: He asks that I be truthful with Him. And that makes sense, doesn’t it? How can He help me if I don’t tell Him the truth?
“He also somehow commands respect. I’m not afraid of Him, but I just sense that He knows what He’s talking about, which He confirms the more I talk with Him. But He’s also gentle—I broke down crying one day, but it didn’t matter. The interest He has in my well-being makes Him seem sort of like a father to me.
“Now, before you think I’m making all this up, let me tell you who I’m talking about …”
You already know who it is, don’t you? The God of Israel was King David’s counselor and friend—righteous, loving, ever-present, attentive, watchful. And He wants to be yours as well. He is as close to you as a whispered prayer. Why not share the most personal part of your heart with Him today?
God’s Promise: He has no priorities higher than His availability to you.