Friend of God

Being God’s friend: what does it mean?

I used to not think of friendship with God as a specific life goal. I think of aspirations more in terms of letting my light shine and of doing my best to walk in truth and love. My focus is touse my gifts to advance his kingdom. Yet deeper reflection on being God's friend opens up a whole new universe of how to do life.

God offers those who seek him the intimacy of friendship. It’s a friendship strong enough to rescue us from the horrors of hell, yet tender enough to comfort us when our circumstances don’t work out like we hoped. This friendship with God presses us to be our best, but he remains faithful when we’re at our worst. He meets us in our lonely hours with sweet companionship. How profound, how incredible, how amazing to be called God’s friend!

Far from lessening our worship of God, our friendship with him deepens it. He remains our Lord and Savior even as he broadens the relationship. Like many relationships in life, they can be multifaceted. My mom became my friend at some point, yet she remained my mom to the end. We ought not think it sacrilegious to think of God in terms of friendship.

Scripture tells us Abraham was God's friend. He believed God and obeyed what he told him to do, even packing up all his belongings and heading toward an unknown destination. Such trust endeared him to God, resulting in a bond you and I are given the opportunity to emulate.

It makes me wonder about my life’s aspiration. I don’t think, in the end, my accomplishments in life (or lack thereof) will matter a whit. I think the greatest epitaph I could hope for might be: She was God’s friend.

How about you? Do you know at this very moment, you may, if you desire, become the friend of God?

Lord, what a privilege and honor that we can leave a legacy of friendship with you.

Throughout This Day: Be intentional about talking to God as you would a friend about the things you are experiencing.