“Sweet friendship refreshes the soul and awakens our hearts with joy, for good friends are like anointings that produce the fragrant incense of God’s presence.” Proverbs 27:9 (TPT)
I’m a mountain girl But being born, raised and still living in Texas, we don’t have the luxury of being outside and being greeted by majestic beauty. ) and do my best to make the 15 hour trek to answer the phone.
My close friends know my deep love for the mountains. They know it’s my happy place. That’s why last year’s Valentine’s Day was so special. I made a pack to go on a girls’ trip to the mountains. But those plans quickly changed after I unexpectedly lost my sweet mama in the spring.
In the midst of my grief, one of my dear friends gave me a gift that touched my heart and I cannot express it in words. Before she handed it to me, she said, “I know how much you love mountains. But… I know how much you love coffee, so I’m going to take this to the swing on the balcony.” So I went to see God, and for the time being, until I went on that girl’s trip.” It was a mug cup surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the mountains. The thoughtful gift of my kind friend has given me peace and comfort on countless mornings.
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, everyone is searching for ways to make them feel special and loved. That friend who is always checking on you. A friend who can always bring a smile (or a chuckle) in any situation. That friend who pushes you out of your comfort zone to grow you and hold you accountable. Friends who make you a better wife, mother, sister, and every other role you take on.
These are sweet friends who wake our hearts up with joy, and spending time with them is a gift in itself. Need ideas? Here are four easy ways to do this.
pray for her
Is there anything sweeter than a gift from a prayerful friend? One of the most powerful ways to bless a friend is to pray for them. Whether they are facing difficult times, stepping into a new season, or having to make big decisions, our prayers are irreplaceable! It binds us deeply as we show our vulnerability and turn our hearts earnestly to the Father.
Here are four ways to pray and cheer up your dear friend.
pray for her peace
“Don’t worry about anything. Under all circumstances, take your requests to God in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will be revealed in Christ Christ.” I will keep your heart and mind in Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Father, give peace to my friend. Lead and lead her to your will and your path. Help her put her trust in you. Amen.
pray she seeks wisdom
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all men without fault, and it will be given to you.” Jacob 1:5
Lord, I give you a friend. Give her her wisdom and discernment. Help her find you and find direction in your precious Word. Keep her in mind. Amen.
pray she holds on to hope
“But those who wait on the Lord will have new strength. They will soar like eagles on their wings, they will run and not tire, and they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
God, you know my dear friend’s hopes and dreams. You plant them in her heart. Help her set her sights on you and pursue her dreams that you set before her. Amen.
pray for her healing
“Have mercy on me, Lord, I am weak. Lord, heal me. My bones are in pain.” Psalm 6:2
Gracious God, my friend needs healing. you know her well If it is your will, I ask that you bring about her healing and reveal how I can help her in this time of need, Amen.
serve her and her family
“We will all face difficulties in this life, we will all go through difficult times. It’s time to do it.” (Galatians 6:2)
After my mother passed away, the outpouring of love really touched my heart. It reminded me to keep breathing as I had been overwhelmed with grief that I could not breathe for days. A close friend kindly taught me that anxiety can be part of grief. Her friendship helped her get through one of the darkest times of her life. She sent me letters of encouragement, offered to help the children, and gave them hugs whenever I needed them. She was so blessed.
If you have a sweet friend walking in murky water, reach out and touch her. Let her know she’s not doing this alone.
bend the ears
Listening carefully seems like a foreign concept these days. There are always so many distractions and noises all around us that shrink our attention to mere nanoseconds. At least, that’s what it looks like. For example, you’ll find it very difficult to focus when there’s a lot of noise.
But when someone actually takes the time to tune out all the noise and really listens, they find out! And what a blessing that is!
When you get together with your cute friends, listen and listen to what they have to say. Intentionally put your phone on silent or put it away. Give her time to speak so that she feels heard and acknowledged. As difficult as it may be, don’t formulate your reaction (bite her tongue if necessary) and just be present.
Approach with sincerity by posing thoughtful questions and asking how you can offer support and prayer while giving encouragement. A friend who takes the time to listen and truly listens is a friend who has your back in every situation. Cherish that friend!
give thoughtful gifts
are you the giver? I can attest to that by saying that my sister’s love language is gift and she is likely the best “gift giver”. I would say so. She makes it about the whole presentation, not just the gifts.She gets a little crazy at Christmas and birthdays and even hosts Galentine’s parties with crafts for her friends to take home. I have.
You may also like to give and receive gifts. If you have a friend who feels loved when you give her a gift, think sincerely about something that really makes her day happy, such as the coffee mug my sweet friend gave me. What matters to her is the thought behind the gift.
I’m not as good at giving gifts as my sister is, but I love finding gifts and they immediately remind me of my dear friend. It really blesses both of us!
Well, that’s it, my friend. Go and bless your sweet friend. give them love May you too be blessed with their love. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Simon Lehmann
