Healthy Friendshipsਨਮੂਨਾ

HEALTHY FRIENDSHIPS - 7 DAY PLAN | DAY SEVEN | BEING PRESENT

Are you present in your friendships?

Staying present can be a real challenge when we’re stressed. A few years ago I came across one of my Grade 1 school reports which read:

"Dannielle is easily distracted if Dannielle only applied herself...."

With some of the damage I experienced as a kid, I learned to tune out as a coping mechanism, and I could zone out to la-la land as quick as a wink in times when I felt overwhelmed.

In the classroom and in relationships, this can be my kryptonite. But when used creatively, my imagination and problem-solving skills are my superpower!

Do you ever struggle to stay present when you’re with your friends?

Do you grab your phone and scroll or answer calls mid-conversation?

Do you tune out while they’re talking, or interrupt with your own thoughts or change of topic?

I think we’ve all been guilty of it at some point.

How do you feel when it happens to you? Disrespected? Unimportant?
It doesn’t feel good, does it?

Are you there for your friends when they are struggling and support?

Are your friends there for you?

Have you ever been or experienced a fair-weather friend? Fair-weather friends want to be there when life is exciting and fun, and there’s something in it for them, but as soon as the storm comes and the struggle is real, it feels draining, like too much effort.

We all need rock solid and loyal friends. Reciprocal love where you fight and war on one another’s behalf, present in times of trouble and a source of strength in trenches and strongholds of life, like Jonathan was for David.

The Bible says that when David was running for his life from Saul, he was hiding in the strongholds of the mountains and in the hills of the desert. Day after day to take David’s life!. Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands.

Even though Saul was Jonathan’s father and also the King, he knew his father’s intentions for David were manipulative and evil. A contrast to the pure heart of David, and so, his loyalty was with his precious covenant friend David, and he snuck away into the wilderness and the strongholds to be present with him in his time of trial, to check in and encourage him in God.

The Bible says in 1 Samuel 23 16-18 NIV:

16 Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 17 “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father, Saul, will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father, Saul, knows this.” 18 The two of them made a covenant before the LORD.

Who is the first person you run to when you need prayer and warring in the storms and trials of life?

Who is your Jonathan?

And are you a Jonathan for them?