In 1971 James Taylor sang that classic song, "You've Got a Friend."
"When you're down and troubled and you need a helping hand and nothing is going right. Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there to brighten up even your darkest nights.
"You just call out my name, and you know where ever I am I'll come running to see you again. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call and I'll be there. You've got a friend."
Long before that song, the Prophet Isaiah spoke about the deep friendship found in relationship with God.
Isaiah 40:28-31, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the Earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah spoke to folks going through hard times. The people of God had begun to embrace pagan cultures. Foreign armies were invading their land, the economy was bad and people were going through tough times, but Isaiah gives comfort for those who have faith.
Chapter 40 begins with a direct command for Isaiah to comfort God's people. He speaks of the word of God that stands forever then he reminds those people of faith of what they should know. That "God is God, the creator of everything."
Flash forward to our day. Many are facing hard times, the polarization of our society seem to be making things worse. The experts say the recession is over, yet people are leaving our area because of lack of jobs. I think now everyone could use a friend and all need comfort. Isaiah tells us, by faith in God you've got a friend.
Isaiah speaks who God is. He's not surprised by what's happening, his knowledge is unfathomable. He still gives strength and hope to those who are tired. He renews them by his grace and his presence. God brings endurance to those who wait on him in hope.
So where are you today? Are you tried of the problems and trials? Are you in need of a friend that is closer then a brother? The Bible says that God so loved the world that he sent Jesus Christ to bear the burdens that we can not bear, the biggest burden is the burden of sin. The Bible says to cast your cares on him, to come to him whoever is burdened, to not be stressed out but give your requests to God.
Isaiah was speaking about peace with God for the Christian that comes by faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Are you burdened with troubles? Have you leaned on your human friends to no avail? Check out this friend in Jesus, look to the Scriptures for hope, and allow God to renew your strength.
Pastor Rich Lammay of High Sierra Fellowship is a member of the Carson Valley Ministers' Association.
