April 15th~Faithful Friends

1 Samuel 20:1-21:15

Psalm 34

Because of the success that David had against Goliath and the Philistines, and because of David’s ensuing popularity with the people of Israel, King Saul became enraged at and jealous of David, and he even sought to kill him. However, Saul’s daughter, Michal, and son, Jonathan, loved David very much, and both of them went to great lengths to protect his life. Jonathan even went so far as to make a covenant with David, a promise to honor him and his descendants forever.

After leaving Jonathan, David fled to the help of the High Priest, Ahimelech, in the city of Nob. David deceived him in order to get food and a weapon, a lie that will have grave consequences when King Saul finds out. From Nob David fled to a place where Saul would least expect him to be, among the Philistines.

I was encouraged by a truth today, a truth that includes two people. The truth is this — faithful friends are a blessing, and the first of David’s friends mentioned today was Jonathan. When David was at the lowest point in his life (so far), and when he felt like the world was crashing down around him, his friend Jonathan proved to be truthful and trustworthy. What an amazing picture of love and loyalty, that Jonathan, who was next in line to be King and who had every right to feel threatened by David, instead honored David above himself. When he had every right to treat David as an enemy, he instead treated him as a friend. When he had every right to push him away, Jonathan promised friendship and faithfulness.

Where do we find friends like that, the kind that will stand by us through the most difficult times in life? Where do we find those who will never betray our trust? No matter what we confide in them, they will never belittle us, never look down on us, and never shame us for our shortcomings. Where do we find a person who will love us at all times, who will extend grace with our faults, who will forgive us when we fail, and who will comfort us in our fear? I’m not sure that we ever “find” that kind of friend, one who is closer than a sibling. That type of friend is given to us from above. He or she is a divine treasure, a blessing from heaven.

Daily Reflection

Do you have a Jonathan in your life? Who came to mind as you read about him today? What about this person do you appreciate most? Have you communicated your love and appreciation for this friend recently?

What kind of friend are you? Have you ever proven to be a Jonathan to someone else?

I said that our truth today included two people.

The other person, who is the most faithful Friend you have, is the Lord. While Jonathan was all of the things I described, he was only human. He could only be in one place at a time, and, unfortunately, David could not always be in his presence. To whom would David turn when he was not in earshot of his dear friend? He turned to His God.

As He was with David, your God is with you at all times; and He is always available to listen, to comfort, and to encourage. He will never betray you, and He will never fail you or forsake you. He is the ultimate faithful Friend.

BiAY.org | Day 105 — 260 Days to Go