And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.

1 Samuel 23:16

For Meditation

1. What is a friend for when they are nowhere near for comfort in times of adversity? But aren’t the arms of true friends always close to embrace and to encourage?
2. Can you imagine how David felt when Jonathan showed up at Horesh, “to help him find strength in God” when Saul was closing in to take his life (1 Sam. 23:16)? Can you visualize the two friends holding hands and praying after a short exhortation from Jonathan, reminding David of God’s promises and His anointing as Israel’s king (17)? Can you feel the warmth between the two friends when they covenanted and embraced in a final goodbye (18)?
3. Is that not what a true friend is? In a friend, we have a closeness for comfort and warmth. A shoulder to cry on. A well of wisdom to draw from. A loving rebuke to retrain. A pure heart to trust. A wealth of mercy and compassion to forgive, understanding to refresh, and knowledge to instruct. 
4. Didn’t Solomon have it right when he said, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 23:16)? How true this was for David and Jonathan!
5. So, is there such a friend in your life? Don’t you think everybody needs one such friend in their life? 
6. Are you such a friend to someone? Can you stand, even against your father’s displeasure, to help your friend find strength in God?

May you find such a friend in Jesus Christ (Jn. 15:13-14). He is only a call away from you. Just get on your knees and ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your life as your Lord, Savior, and friend. He never turns the penitent soul away (Jn. 1:12-13; Rm. 10:9-10, 13).