As I thought about friends, the words of a classic song came to mind: “Lean on me, when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend. I’ll help you carry on.” If there’s ever a good time to employ a friend’s services, then it’s when trials find your address. Good friends ease your burdens; they help you see clearly when darkness surrounds you. No wonder John Churton Collins said, “In prosperity our friends know us; in adversity we know our friends.”
I wish Elijah could have read this recharge because in this text, he tried to weather his storm alone. I’m not sure why – maybe he thought his servant wouldn’t understand, maybe he thought the battle was his to fight. Whatever the cause, Elijah left his servant behind and traveled into the wilderness. In the wilderness, Elijah’s thoughts sunk lower than ever; he said, “I have had enough, Lord … Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died” (1 Kings 19:4, New Living Translation). This excerpt shows the dangers of isolation – we become the victims of our own thoughts.
One thing is certain – it’s easier to fight when you have encouraging friends. Maybe that’s why JESUS asked Peter, James, and John to pray for HIM as HE endured agony in Gethsemane. So when you’re fatigued in battle, find a friend to share the load.
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, New Living Translation)