Day 12 of Resetting the Rhythms of Life brings us to a devotion on friendship. More specifically, friendship rooted in faith, in Christ. As we continue to find renewal in our prayer life and ways to reclaim family time, I want to contemplate our friendships. Perhaps friendship is something that gets put on the back burner, when life gets overwhelming. How can we reclaim our friendships, even in little ways? Let’s ask God for grace and guidance …

Friendship in Faith

I remember the day well … It was a Sunday afternoon in the fall of 2010. I invited a new friend to meet me at my favorite yarn store and have coffee afterward. My friend had “learn to knit” on her to-do list, so she was eager to browse the soft, colorful yarn. And I needed to ask for help on a project I was finishing.

I was looking forward to getting to know Margaret better. We already had a few things in common: I was pregnant my sixth child, and she had six children. She homeschooled, and I was discerning homeschooling. We also had mutual friends.

After our time at the yarn shop, we headed to a nearby coffee house. And it was there that I was reminded what a blessing it is to have friends rooted in faith. Because it is our faith that becomes an instant connection, a common ground.

It’s a connection stronger than just having things in common. It’s not just that we happen to shop at the same stores, enjoy similar movies, or can’t live without the same lipgloss.

It’s not even about how many children we have or whether we homeschool … or not.

The connection is so much more … For friends in Christ believe in the same God. Strive to live a life in accordance with His holy will. Stumble in similar (or different) areas, but still have the experience of stumbling. And, in faith, get up again, striving over and over (and over!) again for holiness.

Our beautiful faith knits us together and allows us to share in this great life of being Christian wives, mothers, sisters, and friends. The challenges and the joys. The questions and the certainties. And all of this over some soft, pretty yarn, and a delicious cup o’ joe. Who could ask for a lovelier Sunday afternoon? Certainly not me.

Scripture Reading

Take a few moments to quiet your heart. Breathe in and out.

Read today’s Scripture verse.

“We love because he first loved us.” —1 John 4:19

After reading the verse once, read it one or two more times.

What stands out to you? A word, feeling, thought …

Journal Prompt

What feelings does this Scripture passage conjure up? Warmth? Conversation? Lingering time over a cup of coffee?

How do you respond to this reality that Jesus loves us first? Does it cultivate a desire to love the people in your life in more meaningful ways? Do you feel a call to action?

Is there a dear friend you’ve been missing lately? Is there someone new in your life who you’d like to get to know better?

Maybe friendship has been difficult for you. If so, ask Jesus to be a friend to you right now. He is your dearest friend. And He loves you so much! He will be present to you in ways no one else can. Share with Him your heart’s desire for authentic friendship, and trust His plan for placing the right people in your life at the right time.

Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus, Thank You for loving me first, so that I may love You and my loved ones in return. I am grateful for your friendship. I pray that I can be a good friend to You and to the people You have placed in my life. Lord, help me to follow up with the friends who came to mind in my prayer time today. Through Your Holy Spirit, give me ideas on how to approach them, how to connect, how to cultivate friendship rooted in faith. Amen.

This is part of a 31-day series on resetting the rhythms of life. To read more about this series and see each day’s posts, click here. Photo: Pexels