today's meditation (1 Chron.27:25-34) Finding GoodFriends

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(1 Chronicles 27:25-34)  Now Azmaveth the son of Adiel was responsible for the king’s storehouses. And Jonathan the son of Uzziah was responsible for the storehouses in the country, the cities, the villages, and the towers. 26 Ezri the son of Chelub was responsible for the agricultural workers who tilled the soil. 27 Shimei the Ramathite was responsible for the vineyards; and Zabdi the Shiphmite was responsible for the produce of the vineyards stored in the wine cellars. 28 Baal-hanan the Gederite was responsible for the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah; and Joash was responsible for the stores of oil. 29 Shitrai the Sharonite was responsible for the cattle which were grazing in Sharon; and Shaphat the son of Adlai was responsible for the cattle in the valleys. 30 Obil the Ishmaelite was responsible for the camels; and Jehdeiah the Meronothite was responsible for the donkeys. 31 Jaziz the Hagrite was responsible for the flocks. All these were overseers of the property which belonged to King David.

32 Also Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, a man of understanding, and a scribe; and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni tutored the king’s sons. 33 Ahithophel was counselor to the king; and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend. 34 Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar succeeded Ahithophel; and Joab was the commander of the king’s army.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

David surrounded himself with responsible people he could trust, putting them in charge of important areas such as military, law, finances, food, natural resources, education for his kids... and among all these people listed, a personal friend is included.  After Jonathan's death, I'm sure David would have felt the  need to find a new close friend.  

Note that  these close friends are of the same sex.  One should want our spouse to be our very best friend, and they should come before any other friends or family members.  In order of importance:  God should come first, and He should be our King as well as our very, very best friend, then our spouse (if there is one), then our children (if there are any), and then...

We all need good, responsible and honorable friends.  They not only help keep us accountable and on the right track, giving good advice to avoid trouble or giving good advice on how to deal with issues, but they also provide a safe place for us to freely be ourselves without judgment.  Obviously there will be times we need to challenge a friend, but when we know someone really well, we will have a good idea of their intentions and the sincerity of their heart.  

These good friends are hard to find, so it starts with us.  To be a "good" friend means we should be seeking God and His goodness, in His strength and guidance.  It also means that we are really listening and getting to know someone with a deep understanding of who they are and what makes them tick.  Good friends can (appropriately) confide in each other, and know that this will be followed by prayer and words of wisdom and encouragement, and then even more prayer!