Read: 1 Samuel 20:30-42
Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, “The LORD shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.” (v. 42)
Best friends are a unique sweetness in life. I will never forget how adrift I felt when I moved in high school but had not made a deep connection with anyone in particular. Then, at summer camp, I met a kindred spirit. Without even looking for it, a new, dear friendship began. Erin and I shared an easy trust and sense of safety in one another’s presence, and we could laugh for hours over shared joy.
During a critical and challenging time in his life, God gave David a singularly beautiful friendship in Saul’s son Jonathan. First Samuel 18:1 describes this powerful friendship by saying their souls were knit together. Soon, the two young men found themselves scheming to keep David safe from Saul’s violence. David was only able to escape Saul and seek safety and well-being elsewhere because of their steadfastness toward one another.
Every once in a while, we stumble upon a new, special friendship like that of David and Jonathan. And, there are other friendships that strengthen us for a lifetime. Whatever the case—new or old, briefly or for a lifetime—when our souls are knit to another person in friendship, it buoys us up to face life’s struggles, and we thank God that we are not alone.
As you pray, may your heart be filled with gratitude for those who buoy you up.
About the Author
Katy Sundararajan is a specialized minister in the Reformed Church in America. She has garnered her pastoral perspectives from posts as a college chaplain, a missionary, an international student advisor, and a higher education and leadership ministries program coordinator.
