Friendship with God

by Annie Yorty ©2022

If you’re a parent, or if you were ever a kid, then you know how friendship ups and downs impact thinking, mood, and even emotional well-being. Adults, too, experience instability in friendships. Can the same be said of friendship with God?

Rejection

I remember the day early in September of my third-grade year when Leann, my best friend the prior year, moved on to other pastures. She callously informed me and ran off to swing in the sunshine with her new besties. In abject misery, I slumped in the shadows against the cold stone wall of the school, so engrossed in my loss that I completely missed the whistle to line up and go indoors at the end of recess. Sometime later I came to my senses and straggled into my classroom. Mrs. Miller was not pleased.

How do we typically find our friends? Friend relationships usually arise out of commonalities—interests, a neighborhood, work, personality type, and other intersections.

God’s Acceptance

But what similarities do flawed mortals have with immortal, holy God? The Bible puts it another way. “What does light have in common with darkness” (2 Corinthians 6:14b NASB)?

God spoke some surprising words to his prophet, Isaiah, back in Old Testament times. After explaining in detail the greatness of His unchanging character and creative power, God calls Abraham, and by extension all his offspring, His friend.

“But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, Descendant of Abraham My friend, you whom I have taken from the ends of the earth and called from its remotest parts, and said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not rejected you. (Isaiah 41:8-9 NASB)

Boy, talk about a game-changer! By way of a miniscule human comparison, I offer another scenario involving school friendship. Imagine the most popular cheerleader in high school choosing the mousiest nobody to join her clique. When little Miss Nobody joins the inner circle, she belongs. She seems more beautiful. She walks with confidence and smiles easily. Everyone remarks on her new identity.

Who Chooses Whom?

Only God can bring you into His friend circle. It happens only by His choice through Jesus, His Son.

You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. (John 15:16 NLT)

Let that beautiful truth sink in.

God. Chose. You.

Because He unfailingly loves you, He did not, and will not, reject you. Ever. You belong to Him. As a friend of God, your identity attaches to the greatness of His character. Do you perceive the difference in who you are as a result of your placement in the inner circle with God?

As a friend of God, your identity attaches to the greatness of His character. Share on X

Further, Jesus tells a purpose and provision that goes along with His gracious choice to make you His forever friend. By His power and His name, we can produce “fruit”—good works—with eternal impact. When we ask in Jesus’ name, He makes us world-changers.

How does being chosen for friendship with God change your attitude when. . .

The world seems to be falling apart?

Random hatred and violence increase?

You’re plugging away at work?

Finances don’t meet the need?

A million everyday tasks overwhelm you?

You’re hurting?

Chronic illness steals your enthusiasm and energy?

Cancer strikes?

A beloved child strays from the family?

A friend rejects you?

Your spouse dies?

You feel hopeless?