The Sanctuary: A 5-Day Devotional by Sanctuary WorshipSample

DAY 4- FRIEND

Danielle Munizzi of Sanctuary Worship

Scriptures:

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 KJV

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. James 2:23 KJV

And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:9-11NLT

Friend.

True worship is when a person, through their person, attains intimacy and friendship with God. ― William Temple

Did you know that God calls you His friend? As Christ followers, we are not only called sons and daughters of God, but we’re invited into a personal relationship with Him. In Romans 5:10-11, Paul explains that we are reconciled back into a personal relationship with God and we are made right in God’s eyes. How is this possible? Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. His shed blood makes it possible. God your Father and Friend loves you. No matter how far we stray away from God, He still desires to be close to us. Sin was the barrier and Jesus’ shed blood was the barrier breaker.

So how does being a friend of God impact our lives? First, it should impact our perspective. We can visualize God as our Father and Friend. We can think of Him as someone we can call on, depend on, and trust. This completely changes how we approach our relationship with Him.

It should also impact how we worship God. He is a holy and worthy King who is deserving of worship and gratitude. When a friend remembers to wish you a happy birthday, you say thank you. When a friend brings you a hand-wrapped, sentimental birthday gift, you are sure to tell them how grateful you are for such a thoughtful gift. When a friend gathers your loved ones for a surprise birthday party, you show genuine gratitude and thank them for showing such love and devotion to you. How much more should we praise God? He lifts our burdens, heals our brokenness, and makes us whole. While we were still sinners, He still showed sacrificial love to us!

Lastly, it should impact our prayer life. If God is our friend, then He is near and present when we pray. If God is our friend, we should pray knowing we are not abandoned or forgotten by Him. Prayer is what develops a closer intimacy with our Father. It draws us close to Him. What an extraordinary gift! John 15:13 says “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

With a fresh perspective, a praise-filled heart, and a flourishing prayer life we experience the transforming power of our God and Friend. There is truly no one like our God.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being a friend to me. Thank You for being a friend that is always present and available when I call. I’m so grateful that You have called me Your friend. Lord, help me to grow to be more like You. I pray that our relationship would grow strong because You are everything I need. Help me to grow into the person you have called me to be. Lead me to greater intimacy with You. There is no one like You, God. In Jesus’ Name, amen.