What a Friend We Have

The world can be a pretty scary place sometimes. Whether we're facing difficult challenges or simply left to our own imagination in the dark, fear can develop rather quickly if we let it. When we're alone, that fear can quickly grow into something uncontrollable and mentally exhausting. This week we find our intellectual superstar Calvin letting his mind carry him astray. He's only six years old, and much like the rest of us, sometimes he just gets scared.

Cartoon by Bill Watterson.

"Things are never quite as scary when you've got a best friend." Isn't that so true though? There's so much peace, comfort, and security in knowing you have someone that stands beside you. Whether it's powering through a dreaded group project, standing at the starting line of a race, or experiencing a major life change, it's always so encouraging to know you're not alone. And not only are you not alone, but you have a truly good friend that will stick by your side.

How could we ever get through the daunting fears of life on our own? There's a lot of intense stuff out there! Even when things are going great, our minds can wander and lead us to dark places. But a best friend can make it all feel a whole lot easier. When you have someone that knows you intimately, understands your emotions, and often goes through the same experiences you do, it makes the hard parts of life drastically more manageable. When you're in it together with someone, it's almost as if the end result doesn't matter as much; even if things get ugly, at least you've got each other.

             
                           This picture is compliments of Tammy Flowers.

However, even though it seems like a best friend is the ultimate answer to handling our fears, even the closest of companions will eventually disappoint us. And that doesn't necessarily mean every best friend will hurt us, but it's just a reality that we will never find someone that will be there for us in every single situation life presents. No one will ever be able to maintain that kind of commitment, and such an intense level of devotion should not be asked of any person.

Thankfully, while even my best friends may fail me at times, I never need to feel alone. While relationships with best friends seem perfect, the only truly perfect friend I'll ever find or need is Jesus Christ. While philosophers, scholars, and intellectuals alike may debate over the existence of God for centuries, I feel loved by a Creator. I have a relationship with a God that loves me infinitely, and while I do believe that to be the reality, no alternative truth is going to change the comfort and security I have obtained through this relationship with my Savior. Regardless of what anyone believes or doesn't believe, I feel an indescribable sense of peace and protection everywhere I go, for I know I am loved by Christ, a friend that will never leave my side.

             
                               This image is courtesy of Student Devos.