Spilled Ink

So, originally I wrote a blog about the poetry analysis I'm doing for school, about the business of my life, and about our Youth retreat. And about how weary I feel at the end of the day, when all I can do is sit back and watch something mindless. Like tonight. But all of that can either be read elsewhere (Timothy's blog, for instance) or isn't interesting to begin with. My daily frustrations belong in a journal somewhere to be burned in ten years, not on the internet to bore my friends and relations. I think my new blog topic may be a slight improvement.

I stumbled across this verse this evening: "And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God." (1 Samuel 23:16) My NKJV Bible says Jonathan "strengthened [David's] hand in God." We've been studying David in Youth Group (we're not as far as chapter 23 yet, though) and looking at what made him a man after God's heart. And this verse, I believe, is central to the topic. I have been incredibly blessed in my friends over the years. As a bit of an introvert, my friendships are few and far between, but each friendship is a lifeline. My friendships play a crucial role in keeping my focus on God, in keeping my passion for Him burning. Psalm 55:13-14 describes what I consider an ideal friendship: "But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng." Christian friends and fellowship are vital in helping me find strength in God. This applies not only to choosing friends, but to being a friend. Are my friends truly supportive Christians who build me up in my walk? And what can I do to strengthen my friends in God? I believe encouragement, joyfulness, and a clear passion for God, a craving for Him, are some of the most important things my friends give me that "strengthen my hand in God." And some of the most important things we can give our friends in return. Thoughts? Input? Snores?