Time Of Need

Time of Need

Bible Blast: Read Proverbs 17

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Proverbs 17:17

My daughter Autumn had a bad night.

Apparently some of the members of her sports team were less than tender when they pushed her to be a better athlete. They spent the whole practice yelling things like, “You have to be there, Autumn! Aren’t you listening? What’s wrong with you?” It can be a good sign of leadership to push your team members to give more, but in this case tenderness was sadly lacking.

I found Autumn crying in her bedroom, but she wasn’t alone. She was wrapped in the arms of her sister, Lexi. When I found out how the afternoon had gone, I went downstairs to make what Autumn loves for dinner—lots of vegetables—and Lexi helped her plan her wardrobe for the next day, offering one of her own dresses for Autumn to wear. What started as a really bad night ended up being good for Autumn, mostly because her sister soothed her. Lexi was a loyal friend in Autumn’s time of need.

You know, your friend doesn’t have to have her house burn down to be in a “time of need.” She might just be feeling overwhelmed with her homework. (You could help her by doing yours with her so she’s not alone.) Or she could be feeling like the outfit she picked to wear to school looks dumb. (You could trade shirts.) Or maybe her brother said something really mean before she walked out the door that morning. (You could write her a note that tells her “Ten Totally Amazing Things about You!”) Even these everyday problems can represent a “time of need.”

How do you respond when your friend or a sibling is having a “time of need”? Do you slow down and try to find a practical way to make her feel better? Or do you skip over it without helping?

God says that a true friend is always loyal and helps in time of need.

Do you?

Girl Gab: Mom, who are your closest friends? What about you, Daughter? Why don’t you both plan to do a little something special for your best buddies today? Give your friend a call, or write her a note. Sometimes a big hug can make a person feel great. If you’re new to your town or just don’t have a strong friend connection right now, ask God to help you not feel lonely and to provide one amazing girlfriend for you.