Today is my friend’s birthday. We were not sure in August that she would celebrate this one; she was so sick. God, however, has allowed her to remain with us. She still is in the recovery process, but she is here! I can reach her with a phone call; I can visit when given the opportunity. God must have known how much we needed to be able to reach out to her, to hear her voice, her laugh, to know her love and her prayers for so many. I am so thankful!
I am so thankful for friends. Merriam-Webster defines friend as “one who is attached to another by affection or esteem.” In the Greek it is the word, philos, (fee’-los), and it means the same thing. The word “fond” is part of that definition.
God called Abraham friend [Isa 41:8], and Moses also [Ex 33:11]. Jesus said that we were His friends when we do what He commands [John 15:14].
I know God loves me … I know God loves me! He loves me even though I am not worth that love. I don’t always do what pleases Him, still I know He continues to love me and through His Spirit continues His work in my life.
But, to think that God is also fond of me contains a certain sweetness. It’s not that I can do anything in my own strength to deserve that affection or fondness. To me, it is the simple assurance that I am, at least for this moment, obedient and doing what He commands. It means I can feel His pleasure.
Thank you, Father, for Your love for me that never wavers, never falters or fails. Thank you, Father, that there are those times that I can feel Your pleasure, when I experience deep in my soul your affection for Your child. Amen.
