24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)
We all long for a friendship that is encouraging, challenging, and fun. Friendship can be a wonderful complement or secret killer. Everyone needs a friend that sticks closer than a brother. A friend that serves as a counterpart. Someone that hurts when we hurt, understands our deepest needs, rejoices with us, and is always there. Life’s hardest trials often leave us feeling that we don’t have a counterpart. Christ can be that friend. This poem echoes the soul’s searching and finding that counterpart.
When no one longs to know I’m here,
When no one comes to wipe my tear,
When no one responds to cries of fear,
You remind me you are near.
When no one seems to hear my cries,
When no one cares to ask me why,
When no one looks, they just pass by,
You remind me, “I must die.”
When no one knows my pain,
When no one asks to share my shame,
When no one wants to fan my flame,
You remind me you’re the same.
When no one feels my aching heart,
When no one sees me, just a part,
When no one gets my life’s art,
You are, my counterpart.
How can you begin to trust that Christ will always be your counterpart?
Prayer:
Jesus you have enjoyed, suffered, and lived through more than I can imagine. I have a hard time allowing you to get close. Would you be that friend that I long for? Come be my counterpart.
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