Good Friends (Just A Minute #115)
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (Psalm 1:1)
In other words, choose your friends wisely. That is basically what this verse is saying, and King David was very qualified to make the statement.
As a young man he had had his share of difficult situations, and for the most part had faced them with integrity and wisdom. He had walked away from Saul's initial counsel to leave Goliath alone. He had stood against his men when they tried to cheat their comrades. He had refused to sit and celebrate with those who contemptuously murdered his rivals.
On the negative side, he had watched one of his sons self-destruct with the help of poor companions. Absalom had walked in Ahithophel's counsel, he had stood by the gate of Jerusalem to deceive the people, and had sat down among wicked men to plan his father's death. Hours later his mule left him hanging from a tree, and he watched his executioner thrust three darts into his heart. He had no partner willing to defend him.
David was a man with many good friends. Thirty-seven of them are listed at the closing of the book of Samuel.
Each of these men was a skilled and veteran fighter, and some of their unusual feats of bravery were in personal defense of David. Abishai rescued his beloved captain from the murderous intentions of Goliath's brother. Three of his best warriors heard him muse about the water from Bethlehem's well and carried out a daring mission behind Philistine lines just to grant him his wish!
These were real friends. He could walk among them and trust their counsel. He could stand tall with them as together they honored the God of Israel. He could sit beside them at the campfire and play his harp while they sang his psalms. It is no wonder that a powerful nation was born from such a group.
Though David's first reason for success was undoubtedly his fellowship with Jehovah, it is equally obvious that on a human level he was indebted to a tight band of fiercely loyal friends. With providential help he swings open the door of the sacred psalmbook by warning all to be careful in their choice of friends.
Every man or woman of God needs to step back now and then to take a close look at who his friends are. They will probably have a major part in determining how his life goes. If they are the proper kind of partners, they will help him walk successfully, and stand firmly, and sit contentedly in the will of God.
What kind of friends do you have? What kind of friends have you made? Are they the kind that keep you challenged and careful to obey the Lord? If so, when was the last time you thanked God for them and then took a few minutes to write them a note of gratitude for being such a blessing to your life?
Dear Father, thank You for a godly wife, spiritual parents, and a healthy circle of good friends. Thank You for co-workers who challenge me to keep expecting ever greater things from You. Amen.
Andy