Real Relationships

"Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?" Psalms 94:16

This verse in Psalms is speaking of our friendship with God. "The Lord is my help," it goes on to say. But, if we are to be like Christ ~ than this verse applies to us as well. We are to be there. We are to stand up when others back down. One of the greatest blessings that God gives us is friendship. Real friendship.

One of the stories that comes to my mind about friendship is about Job. This poor guy had everything taken away in one swoop. A messenger came and told him the sheep and servants have been burned. Another messenger came to say the camels and more servants have been slaughtered. Then, at the same time, another messenger told him that a house fell on his children and they have died. In a mere minutes, Job's life has been completely changed. Oh yes, then his skin is filled with boils. His wife gives up on him. Then, his three friends show up. They cried. They sat for seven days and didn't say a word. (They had to be men. Women would have been a cryin' and a talkin'!) Then, unfortunately, they opened their mouths. To say what? They wondered what Job did for God to do this to him.

Is that the type of friend that we are? The sermon tonight talked about where Daniel's friends were.  (Yes, I was listening Jason! lol)  Daniel gets thrown in a lion's den.  A large boulder is rolled in front. Yet, no one that we know of speaks up. No one tries to move the rock. No one steps up to defend Daniel. (or God for that matter!) What about when Peter denies Jesus? (Mark 14:66-77) Peter is one of Jesus closest friends but when times got hard, it is like "Jesus who?" 

Real friendship is rare. It's hard. It is so much easier today to just read a post on Facebook and continue on with life. It doesn't effect us.  It doesn't take any effort.  But, easy is not what we are sent here to do. Relationships...that is what's important. Relationships with God. Relationships with each other. Real ones.  Reaching out. Taking the time. We have to know what is going on in each other's lives if we are going to help.  Saying 'hello' everyday at work.  Or 'nice to see you' every Sunday.  That's not a real relationship.  (it's a start, yes) Let's use God as our model for friendship, not the world.  Let's start making time for real relationships in our life.