A Lifelong Friend

I never had a best friend growing up. I was a child of a career military officer, and my family moved 10 times by the time I was 13 years old. It seemed that as soon as I made a friend, my father would get orders to a new duty station, sometimes thousands of miles away. I vividly remember the hugs and tears during several partings with childhood friends. When my family settled in an area for several years when I was a teenager, I had a difficult time keeping friends. I held them at arm’s length, refusing to get too close emotionally. The hurt from all those childhood good-byes truly impacted my life.

When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior as an adult, I found him to be the lifelong friend I had never had. He is always with me, guiding, rescuing, helping, protecting, listening, and loving me. Jesus provides all of us with everlasting joy, hope, and peace. He has promised never to leave or forsake us. We can get to know Jesus by reading his words, following his example, and praising his name. Whatever life throws at us, we know we have Jesus, our friend who is just a prayer away.