Saturday, September 3, 2016

September 3, 2016
By Keesha Sullivan

One of my favorite songs to sing as a child was "Lean on me." There was something about having a person there "when you're not strong " and being a friend to help the other carry on that resonated with my spirit. The song continues to make me smile. In life, trouble is eminent. We all go through trials and tribulations, but when we have a friend, it helps. And when God is the foundation of that friendship, it makes that relationship even better and stronger.

In the scriptures from today, it says, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Solomon in his wisdom knew that friends were necessary to triumph over hardships. He then added onto the two strands and said, "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:12). I believe that third strand is the Lord. When He comes into the relationship, He enhances everything. The love, loyalty, and leaning are increased exponentially.

One of the greatest examples of a three strand friendship in the bible is David and Jonathan. They loved each other. They leaned on one another. Their loyalty to one another was greater than anything, including death. Jonathan saved David's life even though it would cost him becoming the next king. David searched for Jonathan's kin even after Jonathan had died, just so he could continue his loyalty and love for his friend.

I believe that this is the type of friendship that God always desired for His children. He wants us to lean on one another, and He wants to be in the middle of that leaning, so that He can hold the weight that we could never bear on our own. Honestly, we as humans don't have enough strength to completely support our friend in the midst of a trial. We need some supernatural strength that only God can provide. We would be crushed under the burdens that our loved one's carry, but the Lord is all powerful. There is nothing too difficult for Him.

Lord, help us to lean on You so that our friends can lean on us. Lord help us to love You deeply and receive supernatural love from You, so that we can love our friends deeply. Lord help us to be loyal to You and learn from You, so that we can maintain loyalty to our friends. Lord help us to be the cord of three strands that is not quickly broken. Lord, thank You for designing friendship. Thank You for knowing what we need and desire before we even ask. You are truly wonderful. We love You. In Jesus's name. Amen