As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.

Psalm 42:1

 

Are you ever lonely for someone to talk with? Someone with whom you could truly have a heart to heart talk? Someone you could call anytime you need to empty what you have inside?

That used to happen a lot to me. I’ve often called friends, simply because my heart and mind overflowed with thoughts and feelings I needed to share.

But I’ve learned that I shouldn’t be open like that with just anyone. I’ve learned that I shouldn’t trust a person and get too close before getting to know them. To be intimate with people you hardly know can get you into trouble. How do you know what this person is really like? You might know them on the outside, but do you know what’s inside?

Many of us have friends we’ll be able to trust enough to have a close relationship with. It’s wonderful when we find someone we can call a bosom buddy. But only Jesus can be trusted enough to always be such a friend for us.

If Jesus is new to us, or if we have drifted away, how can we go about building trust in him? How can we know that he truly is what the Bible says he is?

In 1 Corinthians 8:1 the apostle Paul says, “We all possess knowledge. But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.”  Learning about Jesus is important. Knowledge will satisfy our understanding. But leaning on knowledge alone will not draw us close to him. True knowing comes when we have learned to trust him and love him.

Jesus said, “…I have called you friends…” (John 15:15) That’s true. He’s the very best friend you can have. You can share all you are with him. All you think and feel. All that matters to you.

Developing an intimate friendship with Jesus will mean building trust by spending time with him and talking with him. You will find him a forever friend whose love is sincere. Someone who is always available. Someone to whom you can tell all you have in your heart. Your troubles, your worries, your joy.

And, unlike earthly friends, Jesus will never think you’re overly emotional or complaining too much.

As you reveal yourself to Jesus, he’ll reveal himself to you. Isn’t that how friendship works?

marja