“A friend is a friend at all times, and a brother is born for the time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17.

There are friends in this life that stand by you come hell or high water. There are others however, that flee at the first sign of trouble. Over the years I have had a few friends that I can trust and confide in.

One learns however, that it is wise not to confide too much with some because certain things can be thrown back at you at a later time that can be harmful.

One doesn’t throw their pearls before swine but a good friend will receive those things given by the Spirit, and find that they are meant for the benefit of the one given.

Friendship can be built upon mutual interests and beliefs, and one finds others that share these things in common. But true friendship is when one accepts everything and learns how to sift the wheat from the chaff.

I have known some who I thought were friends, but when political thoughts or opinions were voiced, then they quickly departed. This is even true when words from God declare these things, but the truth is not swallowed but rather, it is spit out upon the ground.

Interestingly enough, people take sides even like in an army. Slander can spread like a cancer among its members, building walls, where once true friendship had been. The truth is oftentimes then not found, unless an open and honest dialogue can occur.

I spend a lot of time in solitary thought and prayer and the few “true friends” that I have are valued like fine gold or silver. And those who are “true” become quite important to me, especially when others have left.

David and Jonathan were true friends and their bond was one of deep love.

“As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants,” 1 Samuel 18:1-5.

My life as a prophetic voice and artist is one in which reflection and prayer, is paramount to me. So when I come from my time spent with Him, the things I share cannot be truly confided with all. One would be wise as to how and when these things are shared, particularly when they are more specific in nature.

Of course the truest friend that we could ever have is the one who is closer than a brother. Jesus tells us that He longer calls us servants but friends:

“I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father,” John 15:15.

We all need true friends in this life of ours. For without them, life can become utterly cold and harsh. The presence of the Almighty will sustain us and give us strength, but the touch of humanity provides a balm that only a true friend can give.

The intimacy that one can have between the LORD and us can be closer than any relationship one can find upon this earth. For this friendship, this relationship, is within us.

All of the intricacies and nuances that one thinks, feels, and considers, are heard and echoed within the person of the Holy Spirit. For as we become one with Him, all else fades and our relationship with Him, can fulfill us in ways that nothing upon this earth ever could.

 

Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson

---

Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to the LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?

Back to Top