“While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come to take his life. And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God…The two of them made a covenant before the Lord.”
1 Samuel 23:15-18.

David was a shepherd boy who grew up getting overlooked by many people.

Yet, time and time again, David was used by God to do amazing things!

For example, it was David who killed Goliath and saved his country when no trained soldier of Israel seemed capable of doing so.
Now it was David who was called to ultimately be the king of Israel.
There was just one problem…Saul,the king who wanted to kill David.

No man can simply make it on his own.

Everyone needs encouragement along the way.
Everyone needs friends.

In this story, the person who came alongside David happened to be Jonathan, Saul’s son. Their friendship had grown over time, and this may have been the last time David and Jonathan were together. 

As 

​​true friends they were more than just companions who enjoyed each other’s company.

They let nothing come between them, not career or family problems. 
They drew closer together when their friendship was tested but remained friends to the end. 
They encouraged each other’s faith in God and trusted each other with their deepest thoughts and closest confidences.  
They based their friendship on commitment to God, not just to each other. 

These are the marks of true friendship.

What can I do today?

Take a few moments and ask yourself these questions:

Are my friendships based on circumstances or commitment?
Do my friendships have God at the center?
Are any of my friends going through hard times that I can support them through?
Am I going through hard times?

If so, what relationships can I turn to for strength?

Spend a few minutes thanking God for the close relationships that you have.
Ask God to deepen those relationships.

If you do not feel like you have close relationships right now-
– ask God to bring those people into your life and
– ask God to strengthen you to become that person who encourages others.

(PR)