Joel M Bradshaw

63I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.–Psalm 119

I journey with all kinds of people. I keep many people on my radar and when I see them I connect with them. If I see you at a church service or at the store then you are important to me. I at times find myself in the position of other people know my name and I have forgotten theirs (even though I work really hard at remembering every name!). But seeing you and greeting you is a great moment and I cherish the fact that God has you in my life. If you speak a different language than me, then I have most likely asked you how to say ‘thank you.’ I collect those thank you’s in as many languages as I can! I appreciate you enduring my linguistic nerdiness!

I also find great joy in providing biblical counseling to the people sent my way. Journeying alongside you is a special part of my life and I cherish those conversations, as well! You are very important to me and I am very thankful for you.

With that said, I see a friend as someone who also influences me. I consider as a companion someone who not only keeps me on their radar, but comes alongside me and points me to Jesus. I am challenged to be a better husband or father because they are my friend. The relationship also feels like I am also being invested in. The word for ‘companion’ here is linked to the word for ‘united.’

Random people can be united around all kinds of things. I can see a Star Wars t-shirt in a crowded room and instantly make a geeky connection. But biblical companions are united around keeping true to the things of God. The people I want closest to me need to fear God and keep His Word. They are the ones I look to for guidance and want their opinion.

If you are my companion, know that I am grateful for you. I can let my hair down and relax a bit with you. My world is at times difficult and I often battle feeling lonely. Your friendship means the world to me. Thank you to all of you who faithfully read this blog and who see it also on Instagram and Facebook. A few of you are even anxiously awaiting the next episode of my podcast, Masterclass Theology (I plan on recording the next one this Saturday). I also just finished the first draft of my biblical counseling book. I look forward to getting that finished, as well.–JMB