The Greatest Threat to Men

"Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted."

Psalm 25:16

David and Jonathan realized they needed each other. David was battling loneliness because Saul, jealous of him, was seeking to kill him. David needed someone he could trust and that person was Saul’s son, Jonathan. You need someone as well. Sometimes it is difficult for men to admit they need other brothers, but they do, we all do.Jonathan viewed David’s needs as being as important as his own needs. That was selflessness on display. He was at least ten years older than David, demonstrating that in true friendship age is irrelevant. Further, this is an encouragement for those who are older to take responsibility to mentor those who are younger. Every man needs a Paul (an older mentor); a Barnabas (an equal friend); and a Timothy (a young man you are discipling).In a Boston Globe article by Billy Baker, the caption read: “The biggest threat facing middle-age men isn’t smoking or obesity. It’s loneliness.” The United States Surgeon General indicated that loneliness has the same effect on one’s health as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day.There is scientific proof that even seeking to build friendships can benefit a man’s health, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. God designed us for relationships and that includes men having friendships with other men.

Make finding your Jonathan, your David, a top priority.

From the 31-Day Devotional, “Who Would You Call At 2 AM?” .