Laura Ingle Key scripture – “As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” 1 Samuel 18:1 (ESV)

Stop and think of your close friends, the ones who you dearly love.

Did you know that God purposely knit you and your friends hearts together because He knew all of the ways He would use you and your friends to encourage and strengthen one another.

As we see in our key scripture verse, 1 Samuel 18:1, God knits our hearts with others like He did with David and Jonathan. He puts people in our paths because He knows we’ll need them.

Jonathan was just what David needed at that stage of his life. David was a young shepherd thrust into the spotlight. David was often overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy and depression, and the pressure of being hunted by king Saul, who happened to be Jonathan’s father. But Jonathan loved David, believed in him, and sought God’s best for him. Jonathan’s friendship was what David needed to grow into the king and leader he was to become.

Beyond common interests, affection, and a sense of humor — the aim of friendship is to sow into each other words of eternal life and blessing. We remind each other of God’s wisdom and provision, refresh each other’s spirit, and strengthen each other’s faith.
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, ESV).

Good friendships require walking with one another down some hard roads, losses, a bad diagnosis, financial problems, family problems, chronic health problems, and much more. We need friends to help us remember what God has done for us in the past and that He will be faithful to us now and in the future. “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” (Jude 1:20-21).

In 2 Samuel 1:26b, David says of Jonathan, ” … Your friendship was a miracle-wonder, love far exceeding anything I’ve known — or ever hope to know,” (MSG). That’s ultimately what God gives us in friendship: a real life, everyday miracle in the form of another person.

But having your soul knitted to another isn’t for the faint of heart. It means you bear your own hurts along with those of your friend. You cry when they cry and laugh when they laugh and feel like your heart will break wide open when you face not having them by your side.

But it’s worth it because they cause you to love harder, laugh louder, live richer and become more than you could ever be without them. It’s putting your heart and your name in the hands of another person and saying, “I trust you with all of this,” as they do the same with you. “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24 ERV).

When was the last time you thanked God for the friends he has blessed you with?

When was the last time you told your friends what they mean to you and how much you appreciate and love them?

Pray this – My Precious Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful friends that You have given to me to walk with me through life here on earth. Please show us ways to love each other better and to help strengthen each other’s walk with You. Give us open hearts so that we can love each other the way that You love us and the way You tell us to love. “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, ESV). Thank You for knitting my heart with people that You know will make me stronger, and who help increase my faith. My friends are wonderful blessings that You have given to me. They are like a refreshing glass of cold water on a hot day. Thank You, Father. In the Name of Jesus, my Dearest and Best Friend, I pray, Amen.