Have you ever thought of what you could have said after the fact when the conversation was over? This week, in a family book study on friendship, we talked about Abraham, who was known as the friend of God, and how God wants to have a friendship with us. The question was: how would you describe God as your friend to other friends? We shared different Scripture verses. My thought was taken from Isaiah 43:1b-3a (some of my favorite verses that I also use to sign copies of my book). I often get tongue-tied, and then think of all the things I could have said after the fact. 

It all came together... after we finished our study time of course. One of the verses used earlier in the chapter was Psalm 145:17: "The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works." At first, you think, "That is an awesome verse, but what does it have to do with God as my friend?"

Here are the words I wish I would have said:

God, the Creator of heaven and earth, is so holy and righteous. Yet, He chooses to be our Father and Friend. He does not force it upon us, but He does offer it freely. When we accept His gift, He redeems us, calls us by His name, and makes us His.

 

Then, as the One who never leaves or forsakes, He promises to be with us through water, river, fire, and flame (whatever you are going through). This Lord God, Savior, and Holy One of Israel was speaking to Jacob/Israel. Jacob! He was known as the heel-catcher and a trickster. He messed up so many times, but God still loved him. He is the best kind of friend. 

That is the wonder of it -- that a holy being like Him wants to be a friend to a person like me. How could I not give Him my heart to keep safe?

Keeping my heart by giving it to my best friend and praying you will find the same in Him,

Elisabeth Kristine