The Friendship of the Lord
O to be God’s friend. Intimate. At ease. Honest. How thankful I am for the key to unlocking such closeness, a key that is found resting on the pages of Psalm 25. Consider verse 14, which states, “The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him.” Three things leap out from among those words. First, friendship is really unique. In fact, so special is this gift, so intimate the opportunity, another way of translating “friendship” is “secret counsel.” Secondly, this intimacy is available. It is “for those” who want it. This, of course, blows wide open the notion that closeness to God is somehow off-limits or reserved for those with flowing robes. Thirdly, it is had by means of “fear,” or, perhaps better, “reverence” of God. Of course, this should provoke me toward a humility that is real, one that utterly defers to God in every sphere of my existence, one that, frankly, merits secrets. O to be God’s friend. It can be! It must be! And all he wants is all of me.