Psalm 88 (New International Version, ©2011)]
8 You have taken from me my closest friends
and have made me repulsive to them.
I am confined and cannot escape;
.........
15 From my youth I have suffered and been close to death;
I have borne your terrors and am in despair.
16 Your wrath has swept over me;
your terrors have destroyed me.
17 All day long they surround me like a flood;
they have completely engulfed me.
18 You have taken from me friend and neighbor—
darkness is my closest friend.
In our fast paced mobile society, we don't have close friends like we used to. When I was growing up, I had two of the best friends anyone could have. Jeff Cisney and Tim DeWolfe, were my best friends. We did everything together. We were in each others weddings. Or families were close, our wives were good friends. What happened? Well, we all moved separate ways and just drifted apart. When I was AD at South Adams High School, I got to know Jeff's kids. They were in Berne. But, we weren't close like we had been in the past.
I have had so many good friends over the years where ever I've lived or worked. But, the friend I've known the longest is my wife. I'm not sure everyone can say that. We have gone through so much. She enjoys doing the things I do and I enjoy doing the things she wants. We really spend so much time together. I wouldn't want it any other way. We have been married for almost 33 years and have been close ever since High School. We Love each other. but we also love being with each other. The great thing about having your wife as your best friend, you don't have to worry about moving away from each other. We will be with each other now and forever.
I don't think Jesus minds me being best friend with my wife. Stephanie may be my best friend here on Earth, but Jesus is truly my best friend. We have been together forever, not just 33 years. He is with me all day. He enjoys the things I do and I enjoy his blessings immensely. He has shown me love when I don't deserve it and when all my other friends have moved on, he is permanent. It reminds me of one of my favorite hymns:
and have made me repulsive to them.
I am confined and cannot escape;
.........
15 From my youth I have suffered and been close to death;
I have borne your terrors and am in despair.
16 Your wrath has swept over me;
your terrors have destroyed me.
17 All day long they surround me like a flood;
they have completely engulfed me.
18 You have taken from me friend and neighbor—
darkness is my closest friend.
In our fast paced mobile society, we don't have close friends like we used to. When I was growing up, I had two of the best friends anyone could have. Jeff Cisney and Tim DeWolfe, were my best friends. We did everything together. We were in each others weddings. Or families were close, our wives were good friends. What happened? Well, we all moved separate ways and just drifted apart. When I was AD at South Adams High School, I got to know Jeff's kids. They were in Berne. But, we weren't close like we had been in the past.
I have had so many good friends over the years where ever I've lived or worked. But, the friend I've known the longest is my wife. I'm not sure everyone can say that. We have gone through so much. She enjoys doing the things I do and I enjoy doing the things she wants. We really spend so much time together. I wouldn't want it any other way. We have been married for almost 33 years and have been close ever since High School. We Love each other. but we also love being with each other. The great thing about having your wife as your best friend, you don't have to worry about moving away from each other. We will be with each other now and forever.
I don't think Jesus minds me being best friend with my wife. Stephanie may be my best friend here on Earth, but Jesus is truly my best friend. We have been together forever, not just 33 years. He is with me all day. He enjoys the things I do and I enjoy his blessings immensely. He has shown me love when I don't deserve it and when all my other friends have moved on, he is permanent. It reminds me of one of my favorite hymns:
What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.
2. Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.
What a great Hymn! We never have to worry about our friendship with the Lord. He loves us beyond any Earthly friend. Praise God! Praise God the creator of the universe wants to be my friend. Praise God, he has sent me such great Earthly friends. Praise God he has sent my Best Friend, Stephanie! Thank You Lord!
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