January 8, 1999, Friday

When one suffers for doing the right thing and shunning

evil, does God help that one? Have you ever felt like

there was no one that cared about you at all in that

difficult circumstance? Does God answer those calls for

help as a friend?

Joseph found himself in prison for refusing to give in

to immorality. A plot was made against him because of

anger by another person. But God did not forget about

him--"the Lord was with Joseph, was good to him, and

made the keeper of the prison his friend" (Gen 39:21).

God helped Joseph in his confinement and he was grateful

for the small things that God did in his life.

While David was hiding from danger, he was not able to

move freely about. He found there was no one to tell his

problems or ask for help. His distress was overwhelming--

"Looking to my side, I saw no man who was my friend:

I had no safe place; no one had any care for my soul at

all" (Psa 142:4). But he prayed to God and found the

faithfulness of His friendship.

Job prayed that there would be a mediator for us as men

before God. In his difficulty he needed an advocate---

"Oh that there were arbitration for a man with God, as a

son of man for His friend" (Job 16:21)! Jesus came

to be that one who would be our advocate, to mediate with

God on our behalf in our difficulties. Job understood that

he probably deserved worse treatment and he repented.

Let us remember who is our Best Friend. God's name is

Jehová Adonai. He is the God who accepts us as we are

without any modifications. He is the God who will never fail

you nor forget you. He will never leave you or let you down.

Lift your hands to your Best Friend. Praise Him and thank

Him for all the blessings of His acceptance and friendship.