Devotional: Remembering Darlene 2 Samuel 1:17-27

“‘I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was more wonderful than the love of women’” (2 Sam. 26, NASB).

On July 4 we celebrate the birth of our nation, the United States of America. There are numerous activities held by individuals, families, civic organizations, churches, and our military. On the other hand, for me the week of July 4 has a sting of sadness. You see seven years ago on July 3, 2012 I lost Darlene. In my mind she is the best friend that I ever had.

I meet Darlene in nursing school. She and another young lady, Mary, are trying to organize a study group. They are reluctant to ask me to join because I am a married man. I assure them that there will be no problems and the three of us study together for the duration of our education. When we graduate the group naturally breaks up, but Darlene and I remain friends. Shortly after we graduate Darlene meets Chuck her future husband. They remain married until Darlene’s death. So, why do I say that Darlene is the best friend that I ever had?

First, our friendship begins because we share some common concerns. Our first concern is to make good grades, graduate, and pass our nursing board examinations. We want to have a successful nursing career. As our friendship grows we share in the joys and sorrows; the good times and the bad times in our lives.

Darlene and I hold each other accountable. We have no problem telling one another when our beliefs and opinions are different. If we think that the other is wrong about an issue or about a situation that either of us is in we will certainly hold each other accountable for what the other does. There is no concern with being politically correct. We do not worry about shaming one another. Just speak the truth because we love each other and we want to make sure that our friend is thinking the right way and doing the right thing.

Thirdly, we look out for each other. We do not hesitate when we need something. At the same time we have no need to be apologetic when it is impossible for us to do a favor. Again, we expect to be truthful with each other because truth and love are tied together. Chuck supports our friendship. He is a man secure in himself. When Darlene is near the end and is transferred to hospice care Chuck goes to great lengths to find me and tell me about Darlene’s condition.

In the text that we have before us David receives word that his best friend is dead. Jonathan and David are friends because they are concerned about the welfare of Israel. Although Jonathan is King Saul’ son, he is aware that God chooses David to be Israel’s king.

King Saul tries to kill David, but Jonathan helps David to devise strategies so that David is protected from the assaults of Saul.

Now David receives word that his best friend; his brother Jonathan is dead. David laments the death of Saul and Jonathan paying tribute to their greatness (vv.17-26). In verses 25-27 David points out the uniqueness of his and Jonathan’s friendship. Jonathan is his best friend.

When we look at my friendship with Darlene and David’s friendship with Jonathan we realize how rare it is to have a best friend like Darlene and Jonathan. However, we do have a friend like them; even a friend better than them. Have you met Jesus? I suggest that you get to know Him. He is the best friend that a person can have.

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for being my friend. Amen.