1 John 1:3b - God's Friendship

1 John 1:3b “And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.”

Spending time with good friends is a tremendous joy, a joy that we all share. Whether we are watching movies, playing video games, or just chatting about life, it is fun to be with our friends. This past week a friend of mine and I ran into each other at a coffee shop and we sat down to talk. This time, strangely enough, he did most of the talking while I did most of the listening. It was a good time and we both enjoyed the chance at further fellowship that we had.  As I was leaving the coffee shop I was reminded that this was how our relationship to the Lord is supposed to be! We are supposed to be able to just “hang out” and be in fellowship with Him at any and all times!

Not only is God the Lord Almighty and the Creature of everything, not only is He Abba Father, He is also Friend. He wants to be included in our lives, all aspects of it! He is right there on the couch when we are enjoying our favorite television shows. He is right there laughing along with us as we tell stories and jokes at dinners. He is there saying “Hey man! What's wrong, talk to me.” when troubles show up in our lives. He has a ready shoulder to cry on, a hearty laugh when things are looking up. He has an outstretched hand when we stumble and fall, and a gentle push when we need to be redirected. He has advice for every situation in our lives, and a ready ear to listen when we need to vent. He is just merely waiting for us to realize this.

He wants to spend time with us too! He wants and pursues fellowship with us! He loves His daily special time with you and I.  Some times He will listen more, Some days He will end up talking more while we listen. Some times He probably enjoys just sharing the silence with us, as we appreciate His creation. He is a friend like no other, a friend always ready and always there.

This week, lets relearn to see Jesus as a friend as well as Lord. Not only is He a majestic Monarch, He is more! Not only is he our Heavenly Father, He is more! Lets take the time to rediscover this fantastic friendship.

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.

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.

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 your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessèd Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
                                                                                       Joseph M. Scriven. 1855.