2:59 – I Promise

#faithbites #faithjourney promise

On the way to work, I like to listen to music or podcasts to pass the time. Today I was listening to a Ska radio station on Amazon music and a song by Reel Big Fish came on that I thought sounded familiar but I couldn’t place it. Then I remembered what it was. It was a cover of “The Promise” by When in Rome. You may not think you know it, but give it a google and you will.

The first stanza struck me hard and pointed to only one person.

If you need a friend, don’t look to a stranger
You know in the end, I’ll always be there
But when you’re in doubt, and when you’re in danger
Take a look all around, and I’ll be there

This could only be Jesus. He’s not a stranger as he’s known you since before you were born. (Jeremiah 1:5). He is always there. (1 Kings 8:27, Psalm 139:7-12, Jeremiah 23:22-24, Isaiah 6:3). When We doubt (John 20:24-29, James 1:5-8) or are in danger (Psalm 34:7, Psalm 23:4).

We don’t have to look any farther than our Lord our God. He has will always be a friend to us.

Scripture

(Yes I know I loaded the above section with scripture, but there can never be too much can there?)

• No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. – John 15:15
• A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. – Proverbs 18:24
• And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. – James 2:23

Reflection

We started out this #faithbite by defining all of the characteristics of being a good friend and that God/Jesus fufils all of them. Then in the scriptures, we see that God calls us friend as we should call him friend.

It is comforting to know that I will have a friend who I don’t have to look for, a friend who will never leave me, and one who will always forgive me.

In life, we can try to be that friend to help people find Jesus. We can be the ones who are always present and help people here on earth to know their eternal friend who has never stopped loving them, even if they don’t them.

Charge

Do you hang out with your friend in the Lord? Do you feel his presence always? It’s the times when we don’t feel him, that he is closest. We just need to remember that he promised to always be there for us. Take a few minutes in your day to call out to your friend and let him know you are here. Give him thanks and ask for help when you need it. He is always present.

Prayer

Most Gracious Lord, thank you for being my friend. Thank you for always being present and looking out for me, even when I’m not always knowing it is you or when I seem to turn away. Help me to always know that not only are you my friend from the beginning but you are always present and will always keep me from danger. Help us to spread your word so all people know that you are their friend. In your gracious name, Amen.