September 2026 – Devotional

Title: You’ve Got a Friend in Me

Scripture: Proverbs 27:9, 17: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

By Major Monica Covert

The nostalgic trend representing friendship exploded during the Taylor Swift Eras Tour of 2023. The friendship bracelet craze was inspired by the lyrics of a song written by Swift, “So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it…you’ve got no reason to be afraid.” The fans, known as ‘Swifties’, took this literally. Thousands of friendship bracelets were made and exchanged during each of her concerts around the world. Many concert goers described the exchange and introduction with fellow fans as the most incredible joy experienced. My own daughter even said, “…it was like being in a room filled with thousands of your best and closest friends!”

The first step to any friendship is the introduction, much like the ones that took place when Swifties exchanged friendship bracelets. But some people are afraid to take the first step of saying “hello” and introducing themselves. It’s usually this first step that keeps us from moving onto the next, which is when we get to really know the other person and develop the friendship.

I love the quote from Basil of Caesarea, which says, “The Creator arranged things so that we need each other.”  It’s true! We were never meant to journey on this life alone. In fact, our holy calling is friendship. When we lean into others and connect with them, whether it’s for a lifetime or just a season, we open ourselves up to receiving one of the most incredible gifts from the Lord…friendship. It’s through this gift, that we can be spurred on and propelled toward Jesus to become the best version of ourselves.

In the Bible, King Solomon wrote a lot about life’s meaning. One of those topics centered on the importance of friendships. Not just superficial friendships, but the kind that are deeply connected with one another and filled with love, trust, loyalty, accountability, and support. The kind that points us to Jesus and helps us to persevere when we’re feeling stuck or lonely.

Proverbs 27:9 says, “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”  True friends seek our best interest. Solomon goes on to say in verse 17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”  This is what true friendship is all about. It involves helping each other to be better in all aspects of our lives – spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally.

Friendships are complex and as we get older it becomes more challenging to maintain them because we’re busier or perhaps, we have been hurt in the past and we’re afraid to open our hearts. But once again, in scripture we find King Solomon reminding us of the value of a friend in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

No one is exempt from some form of loneliness. No person can live an isolated life and expect to thrive. King Solomon was surrounded by crowds, wealth, possessions, and honor, yet he wrote about the importance of having and keeping faithful friends over all of that. Friendships are not easy as they take effort, sacrifice, vulnerability. At times, they’re inconvenient and cause us hurt. But sweet friendship centered in Christ, refreshes the soul and awakens our hearts with joy…it’s worth it!

Today, there are so many ways to stay in touch: emails, texts, face time, phone calls or even good ole’ fashion letters or cards sent through snail mail. A good friend is made by the quality of communication, not the amount. Don’t be afraid to take the first step of saying hello, introducing yourself or even exchanging a friendship bracelet like the thousands of Taylor Swift fans did. but don’t stop there…take the next step of enjoying this beautiful gift and nurture it. We all need good friends, and we also need to be good friends. Surround yourself with people who will help you be the best that you can be and do the same for them. There’s a friend in each one of us and we need each other; it’s how God made us! 

Prayer:

Lord, thank you so much for the gift of friendship. The friends that you have placed in my life are a blessing to me and I pray that I can be a blessing to them as well.  Help me to nourish those friendships and put effort into them, so that they grow in you. Lord, thank you for being my best friend and for being the perfect example of true friendship.

Resources and References

Equipping Godly Women – “Need More Christian Friends? Here are 6 ways to Find Them” by Brittany Annhttps://equippinggodlywomen.com/community/six-ways-to-develop-close-godly-friendships/

“Friendship for Grown-Ups: What I Missed and Learned Along the Way”, by Lisa Whelchel

“Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us”, by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, Chapter: Spiritual Friendships

Mayo Clinic Article – “Friendships: Enrich Your Life and Improve Your Health” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860

Los Angeles Christian Counseling – “Dealing with Loneliness as a Christian” https://lachristiancounseling.com/articles/dealing-with-loneliness-as-a-christian

Everyday Health – “Why Friendships Are So Important to Well-Being”, by Moira Lawler https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/social-support.aspx