Just Stand By

When trouble comes your soul to try,
You love the friend who just “stands by.”
Perhaps there’s nothing he can do—
The thing is strictly up to you;
For there are troubles all your own,
And paths the soul must tread alone;
Times when love cannot smooth the road
Nor friendship lift the heavy load,
But just to know you have a friend
Who will “stand by” until the end,
Whose sympathy through all endures,
Whose warm handclasp is always yours—
It helps, someway, to pull you through,
Although there’s nothing he can do.
And so with fervent heart you cry,
“God bless the friend who just ’stands by’!”

******

Today, may we be a friend who just “stands by.” Even without a fix to try. Even if our love cannot smooth the road. Even if our strength cannot lift the load. Warmly handclasp until the end, God, please equip us as a “stand by” friend.

Take your stand with God’s loyal community and live… (Proverbs 11:19, MSG).

…Sue…