Standin’ Beside You
Well, howdy there, friend! How good it is to have you takin’ a moment to stop by here. So, come on up here on this ol’ front porch and settle yourself right down. The Lord’s got a good word today that’s warmer than a skillet of cornbread fresh out of the oven. The breeze is driftin’ through these oak branches like it’s carryin’ secrets from every curve in the county, and a nosy lil’ blue jay is perched on the rail fussin’ at a slow‑movin’ turtle that’s takin’ its sweet time crossin’ the yard like it’s inspectin’ the property for future development. Meanwhile, a hefty ol’ goat is standin’ by the gate actin’ like it’s the sheriff of this place, and a fidgety lil’ field mouse keeps peekin’ out from behind the watering can like it’s takin’ notes for the local newspaper. Watchin’ that whole busy critter menagerie reminded me of Proverbs 17:17, which say, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Do you happen to know who your real friends are? Sometimes when life squeezes you like a lemon in a county fair pie contest, the real surprise is the person God places right beside you. Someone once said, “A real friend is someone who comes in when the whole world goes out.” And, friend, that’s truer than an ol’ rooster thinkin’ he’s got to be crowin’ at sunrise.
When everything falls apart, when the diagnosis comes, when the job ends, when the relationship crumbles, most folks git to scatterin’ like chickens avoidin’ a real sly hungry fox. Fair‑weather friends are real plentiful when the music’s loud and the snacks are free, but only a handful of special friends draw close when the lights go out and the big storm rolls in.
Lean on those real special people. You don’t need a big crowd. You just need one God‑sent soul who’ll stand with you when the ground gits to shakin’. And God really does have one just for you.
Look at Jonathan and David. Jonathan knew God’s hand was on David to be king, not him. He faced his father’s expectations, his own future shiftin’, and a destiny that wasn’t his. Yet Jonathan chose that very special friendship over rivalry. First Samuel 20:17 says, “And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him because he loved him as he loved himself.”
Here’s another fresh verse to deepen this truth even further. Ecclesiastes 4:10 says, “If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” That’s God’s way of sayin’, “Friend, you weren’t made to walk your challenging detour alone.”
Father, help me to be the kind of friend who loves at all times. Show me the ones You’ve placed in my life, and teach me to walk with them through every valley and every victory. Make me faithful, steady, and full of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Alright then, friend, as you journey away from this place and get on with today’s happenings, plant this truth deep in your heart the way an ol’ farmer carefully sows his seed looking for a good harvest in the near future. A true friend is a very special gift, a true blessing, who helps to steady your steps when the path gets mighty rocky. When you find a friendship like that, hold it tight, nurture it, and thank God for it. And just like a brightly glowin’ lantern guides a traveler through a dark, moonless night, the right friend will help to be lightin’ your way when life gets way too dark. Now go on out there, friend. Mind all them chaotic critters, watch your steps, and don’t you dare even be thinkin’ about walkin’ your difficult detour alone.
With joy,
Gwen
