Friendship: What Would Happen If We Took the First Step?

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Romans 12:10
1 Peter 4:8-10
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Friendship involves effort on both parts.

On your part. On theirs. Make your peace with this truth right now or you will forever be disappointed. You will have to show up when you want to stay home. You will have to extend the invitation when you would rather receive the invitation. You will have to answer calls, respond to texts, and remember birthdays. You will have to swallow your pride sometimes, and you absolutely cannot live like you’re the only one who matters, which, let’s be honest, is probably good practice anyway.

You will have to understand.

I know it’s hard to take a risk and raise our hands and confess to these deep-rooted feelings, but what would happen if we got brave? What would happen if we took the first step? I think we’re terrified to admit, “Yeah, sometimes I get lonely” because we have this fear that it will isolate us from the crowd. But honestly, my guess is that our vulnerability would help give courage to others who are feeling the same, and we’d find we aren’t so alone after all.

That’s the thing about loneliness. It hurts like crazy, and it doesn’t discriminate.

It is no favorer of persons. It doesn’t give one tiny rat’s backside whether you’re famous or have a pretty face or you’re successful. It doesn’t care if you’re rich or where you live or what kind of clothes you wear. It doesn’t care about your age or your degrees or your denomination or even if you have a denomination at all. It doesn’t care if you’re married or single or somewhere in between. It can strike anyone at any time…

Most women want the same things you want. They want genuine connection. They want to feel at ease and relaxed at girls’ night. They want to unwind. They want to laugh. They want to hug. They want to cry. They want to be encouraged. They want to open up. They want to feel seen, and they want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They won’t be perfect. Perfect people don’t exist, but pretty freaking good ones do. They’re out there. You can lose a lot of things, but hope isn’t one of them.

Prayer

Lord, please remind me that I am not alone, and guide me as I build meaningful connections with other women. Amen.

Adapted with permission from I’ll Be There But I’ll Be Wearing Sweatpants by Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston, copyright Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston.

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Your Turn

Step out and make the first offer! We all need friendship. We were built for connection and companionship. You’re not alone in feeling alone, and you don’t have to be alone! Gather yourself with others and build friendships. The Lord will help you if you ask Him! Come share your thoughts. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily