He is always my friend; He is always your friend
by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
Tuesday morning at 3 AM, Jesus and I had a conversation.
The weather station was blaring alerts, warning of severe storms and telling everyone to seek shelter. However, I knew my only shelter wasn’t found in four walls or a sturdy interior room—it was in Him.
I whispered into the quiet, “Jesus, You are my shelter. You are my only shelter.”
He answered me, “Seek and you shall find, Daughter, for I am with you always. The wind may blow and hail may come, but I am your shelter and your friend.”
I sat with His words, feeling their weight. I needed to hear them, not just because of the storm outside, but because of the storm raging in my own heart, I needed to know Jesus as my dear friend. I needed to know Him as my very best friend because of the heartbreak that the storm caused.
Sometimes, the deepest heartbreak doesn’t come from strangers but from the people we once trusted—people who were supposed to be shepherds, friends, and fellow servants in the Body of Christ. When betrayal comes from within the fold, it cuts deeper.
This past week, my heart has ached under the weight of that truth. Sometimes, people aren’t who you thought they were. Sometimes, they lie, they manipulate, and they use control to bend others to their will. When these people stand in the pulpit, they serve in ministry, or they claim to be walking the same faith journey as you, the pain becomes all the more disorienting.
Even in this pain, Jesus is still near.
On this very brokenhearted day, this moment of mourning, I am learning what it truly means to have a friend in Jesus. He does not gaslight or manipulate. He does not betray or seek control. He does not turn away when we are at our lowest.
He is our shelter—when the storm rages inside and out.
He is our friend—when people fail us, abandon us, or show their true nature.
He is faithful—when others prove they were not.
If you are hurting today, if you feel abandoned, betrayed, or confused, I want you to know you are not alone. Jesus has not left you. He sees exactly what has happened, and He is holding your heart in His hands.
Let the world shake. Let people reveal themselves for who they are.
Don’t let go of Jesus. Sit at His feet. Keep your eyes on the prize!
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
You don’t have to figure it all out today, and neither do I. You don’t have to rush past the pain; neither do I. Ultimately, we can rest in Him. You and I can find shelter in His presence. You and I can trust that He will never fail us, never lie to you or me, and never betray anyone’s heart.
He is your shelter. He is your friend. He is always near.
“For I am the Lord your God. who takes hold of your right hand. and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13
He answered me at the end of our early morning conversation. He said, “Rest now, Daughter, the storm has passed you by, and I have not forsaken you. I saw you as you thanked me. I am well pleased with your gratitude. Don’t worry, Daughter, you are fortified, and you have fortitude.”
Application: Fortified with Fortitude
Jesus doesn’t just bring comfort—He strengthens us. When we come to Him in the midst of our storms, He doesn’t just quiet the winds; He fortifies our spirits. He equips us to stand firm even when life feels unbearable.
Are you facing a storm right now? Are you struggling with the actions of others, feeling the weight of broken trust, or mourning the loss of what you thought was secure? Jesus is saying the same thing to you today.
➡️ Rest, the storm has passed you by.
➡️ You have not been forsaken.
➡️ He is pleased with your heart of gratitude.
➡️ You are fortified with fortitude.
You are not weak for feeling hurt, but you are strong because Jesus is strengthening you. Take this moment to breathe, to lay your burdens at His feet, and to trust that His presence is enough.
Jesus, thank You for being my refuge. Thank You for being my safe place when the world feels unsafe. Help me to trust You even when I don’t understand. Comfort my heart, and the hearts of those who are hurting today. Remind us that You are our true and faithful friend. Amen.
#FindingShelter #AfriendinJesus #HeIsNear #HeartHealing #FortifiedWithFortitude
The Aging English Major 