You Have Called Me Friend

I Chronicles 16:7–15

“That day David first appointed Asaph and his associates to give praise to the LORD in this manner: Give praise to the LORD, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced, you His servants, the descendants of Israel, His chosen ones, the children of Jacob. He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth. He remembers His covenant forever, the promise He made, for a thousand generations…”

Just by reading this psalm of David and Asaph helps us realise God’s praiseworthy character—His strength, holiness, and faithfulness. These lyrics tell us of the truth about a powerful Creator of the universe and the laws of nature, an awesome sovereign over all the world to Whom all things answer to, the judge of all the earth, and a trustworthy Father who cares for us. We are the objects of His affection given sacred volition, fashioned according to His image. Elsewhere, king David sings to God, “When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You set in place— what is humanity that You are mindful of them, the son of man that You care for then? You made us a little lower than the angels; you crowned us with glory and honor (Psa 8:3–5)?” We have been given such favour from our Creator, let us not squander it and let us keep the flame of our relationship with Him burning within us, one step we already took is our response of trust in His Son Jesus Christ and considered Him alone our personal Lord and saviour despite ourselves. God has called us His friends. The song says, “God almighty Lord of glory You have called me friend!” Think about the gravity of that, what an honour! The LORD affirms us, “You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you (John 15:14–16).” Friends, like the psalmists, let the praise of God be always on our lips, hearts, and minds, and then let us proclaim His great love and friendship to many!