I’ll be there for you
Friends! What do you think of when you read that word? I immediately jump to the well-known US TV sitcom of the same name with Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Ross, Chandler and Joey!
This highly successful show ran for 10 years tracking the comedic, romantic and career adventures of these six main characters.
The catchy theme tune, by the Rembrandts, perfectly suited the show too. The lyric, ‘I’ll be there for you’ was seen in the various ups and downs they each went through.
Friendship is important. Having people who are there, no matter what may come your way in life, is a good and precious thing.
The book of Exodus, in the Bible, is the story of how God led the nation of Israel out of Egypt in a series of miraculous ways. In chapter 17, Israel was attacked by a group called the Amalekites. The Jewish leader, Moses, went up on a hill as the battle happened...
“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up - one on one side, one on the other - so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.”
This is a beautiful picture of two friends helping someone out. Together this brought victory for the Israelites. Much could be said about the importance of standing with others.
I wonder, what went on here? Did Moses call out for help as his hands grew tired or did Aaron and Hur jump in to help when they saw what was happening?
In other words, when Moses was struggling, did he ask for help, or did Aaron and Hur see Moses was struggling and they stepped in?
I have observed that some people are better at asking for help than others. Also, I’ve seen some who are brilliant at seeing a need in others and respond.
Are you someone who is willing to ask for help or not? Do you battle on alone? There is a danger, as this can lead to a form of pride, which I believe is not good.
On the other hand, are you aware when somebody is struggling or are you oblivious to the needs of others around you? Are you good at noticing and if so, what do you do about it?
To be honest, I don’t quickly ask for help, I keep going! However, I am learning to ask for help from trusted friends and I have really valued their care and support.
Over the years, I also have improved in discerning when others are struggling too, picking up on the signs! It’s then when I have offered help.
We all need friends – to receive and to offer love and support.
God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader