"Those I've Known"

I’ve known cowboys and preachers,

And apostles and teachers,

Prophets and plumbers,

And sad over-reachers.

I’ve known farmers and players,

And bankers, nay-sayers,

Judges and lawmen,

And chronic complainers.

I’ve known coaches and convicts,

And some who would not stick,

A few you could count on,

And some made your heart sick.

I’ve know men who were liars,

Though they claimed to be triers,

Forgive but don’t trust ‘em,

Their tongues burn like fires.

And I’ve walked with the humble,

When came time to rumble,

Fierce grace fought the devil,

Without even a stumble.

I’ve had good friends and mentors,

Who knew what they’re sent for,

Never judged or excused,

And sure knew the right score.

Through the seasons the faces,

Who by the Lord’s graces,

Helped for a season,

While running our races.

Thank God that He sent ‘em,

Through the years He’d present ‘em,

And even the bad ones,

God used, can’t resent ‘em.

So it’s up to me now,

To keep going somehow,

And to honor the brothers,

Who taught me to bow,

To the One who sticks closer,

And never a poser,

He’s ever so faithful,

And won’t forsake, no sir.

“There are ‘friends’ who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, NLT)

We’ve all had relational disappointments. Often this happens when we consider someone to be our friend who betrays or in some way lets us down. We thought they were our friends but their behavior proved their disloyalty. Our best bet when this happens is to forgive and move on. Forgiveness is non-negotiable. Trust, however, is conditioned by the person’s reliability. But there is a friend who sticks even closer to us than a relative. His name is Jesus, and He offers us an eternal love that can be matched by no other.

Lord, we surrender to Your friendship, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.