We All Need Friends
I recently read about William Cowper, a poet who lived from 1731 to 1800 and suffered from depression and anxiety. William found a friend in his pastor, John Newton, a former slave trader. Cowper tried to take his life several times. When Newton would visit him, they would often take long walks and talk about God. Newton asked Cowper to begin writing again, and then Newton compiled a hymnal using many of Cowper’s songs. Even after Newton moved to another church, he and Cowper remained close friends and corresponded regularly.
There are parallels between the friendship of Cowper and Newton and David and Jonathan in the Old Testament. After David defeated Goliath, “Jonathan became one in spirit with David,” according to I Samuel 18:1. Jonathan was the son of King Saul, but he openly showed support for David. King Saul became jealous and angry at David and wanted him to be put to death. In
I Samuel 20:33 we read how Saul hurled a spear at Jonathan. While Jonathan was able to dodge the weapon, he grieved over the shameful treatment of his friend. (v. 34)
The deep friendship between David and Jonathan withstood the test of time. Jonathan had the courage to oppose his father, and I Samuel 20 describes how he endangered his own life to save David. When Jonathan died in battle, David honored him and proclaimed his deep loss. (II Samuel 1:26) After David became king, he showed great kindness to Jonathan’s only son, Mephibosheth.
As Cowper and Newton, and Jonathan and David, loved each other and encouraged each other to love God and to serve others, we need to do the same and love one another. Do you have a friend that needs a listening ear? You can be that friend and share Christ with that person today.
Prayer – Jesus, help me to enjoy Your friendship and fellowship. Give me the ability to share your love with others today. Amen.
I Samuel 20:34 – “(Jonathan) was grieved at his father’s shameful treatment of David.”
By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Images: Omar Lopez, Brian Lundquist & Walter Randlehoff, courtesy of Unsplash
