Are You A Close Friend

So I'm not asking if you have a close friend. What does it take to be a close friend?

Being a close friend isn't always easy. It involves selflessness, being dependable, trustworthy, honest, supportive, caring, and a good listener.

It's easy to be a close friend to grandkids. At least while they're young enough they can't  crawl off your lap.

Young parents walk a fine line between being a close friend and being a parent to their children. They are to be both at the same time. Parenting and friendships sometimes have different job descriptions.

Close friendships with grown children are a blessing. You need to be a parent when they need one so they know you care. You also need to be a friend and give them enough room and responsibility to have their own independence.

A close friend will put others ahead of themselves.

A close friend will be genuinely happy for others accomplishments and successes.

A close friend goes above and beyond the call of duty sensing when they need to hang around and when they need to give others space.

If you are a close friend you are an encourager and folks like you around because you brighten up the day.

A close friends word is good. He keeps his promises, doesn't forget appointments, and answers his calls.

A close friend apologizes when making a mistake. No ones perfect. It's much easier to acknowledge a wrong than to deny it.

 So can God be a close friend? I know, He is in charge of the whole universe. He is so powerful and almighty our little minds can't even fully comprehend Him. However He made us. He saved us. He loves us.

We are God's adopted children and He cares about us. So what's going on when He doesn't feel close. Maybe He's reminding us it's not about us. Maybe He's teaching us dependence. Maybe He's building character in us. Maybe we are the ones that moved farther away. 

Back in the Bible times King David knew what it was like to be a close friend. He also knew what it was like to need one. In Psalms 145 he says, "The Lord is close to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him, He hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over those that love Him."