God Is A Comforting Friend

God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

When Naomi was a young girl, she was very afraid of the dark and would often have nightmares. Each time she would wake afraid in the middle of the night, she would build up the courage to leave her warm bed and run to her parents’ room for comfort and security.

“Dad, can you pray for me?” she’d whisper, as tears fell from her eyes.

“Of course, honey,” he’d say, and give her a hug.

Her dad was always quick to quiet her fears. He’d walk her back to her room and tuck her into bed. As he did, he would pray over her the same Scripture verse, reminding Naomi that God has not given her a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. He would tell her that God was her protector and friend. He would remind her that she could call on him and Jesus would be there for her.

As she grew older, Naomi started to repeat the verse her dad had spoken to her over the years. Any time she was afraid, like when she had to take speech class in middle school or when she wanted to try out for the school play, she would tell herself the truth of God’s love and power in her life and heart. Naomi started to see God as her friend—someone she could go to on her own, even if her parents weren’t around. She confidently knew that he would be there for her to offer the same comfort and security she had first felt from her dad.

It may or may not be a new idea to us, that God wants to be our friend, but it is true. He is a comforting one, meeting us in the middle of our fears or insecurity with his love and power to face the situation. God wants us to turn to him no matter what we are facing, and he will always be ready to offer us his peace.

Things to Think About

• Have you thought about God being a friend to you before? How have you noticed his friendship to you?
• Do you go to God when you need comfort and courage? Why or why not?

DAILY ACT OF FRIENDSHIP

Thank God for the ways he’s been a friend to you.