‘A friend in need is a friend indeed‘, the proverb goes, and in 1 Samuel 20, we see this in evidence, as Jonathan proves himself to be a true friend to David. Saul’s increasing hostility towards David has left him afraid and vulnerable and he turns to Jonathan in bewilderment, asking what crime he has committed to provoke such murderous intent. Jonathan is equally bewildered, believing his father’s earlier promise to spare David (1 Sam 19:6), but he proves himself to be loyal to David in warning him when his father reacts so violently to David’s absence from the royal table.

It can be hard to understand the motives and thoughts of other people, and sometimes the faithfulness and loyalty of friends are what keep us going in difficult times. Jonathan and David renew their covenant in this chapter and work together to determine the true state of affairs. They cannot control or change Saul’s behaviour (he is so irrational that he even tries to kill Jonathan in his fury), but they can reaffirm their commitment to each other. True friends are a blessing from God.

This chapter marks a change in circumstances; prior to this, David has been in close contact with both Saul and Jonathan, but now he must flee and the next chapters show him as a fugitive on the run. Parting causes them both sorrow, but they both remain committed to God and to each other, and their loyalty and friendship will be played out in the chapters to come. Covenantal love is so important. We see God making covenants with people, remaining faithful and true even when we are faithless. As His love shapes and influences us, we can truly care more for others than for ourselves and through our love and commitment can be a witness to the world of a God who never lets us go.

Our Christmas Afternoon Tea was attended by 25 adults and 11 children (several had to drop out at the last minute due to illness or hospital appointments) and raised £188 for church funds.

We’re very grateful to all who baked, made sandwiches, donated food and helped to set up and clear away. Thanks also to the Salvation Army for loaning us tablecloths and crockery so that it was a ‘posh do’!

We had a wonderful time at our second Parent & Toddler Christmas party, with great food (thanks to Bev for her buns!) and bubbles (thanks to Beckie for her bubble machine!) Children received presnts, including books donated by the Snap Tin Community Hub and selection boxes (some donated by Tesco’s in Wath-on-Dearne) and adults enjoyed winning raffle prizes (donated by parents).

Please note that the Parent & Toddler group is now closed for Christmas. We will be back on Wednesday 10 January 2024, God willing, and are open on Wednesday and Friday mornings in term-time between 9 and 11 a.m. £1 per family, including drinks and toast.

James offers us a different perspective on joy when he writes, ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.’ (James 1:2-3) Most of us balk at this notion. How can trials be considered joy, let alone ‘pure joy’? Most of us want to avoid trials. We don’t like difficulties in any shape or form. We don’t feel like welcoming them as friends (as J. B. Phillips puts it) or seeing trials as gifts (except perhaps the kind of gift you can immediately return to the shop to be exchanged for something else!)

James assures us that ‘the testing of your faith produces perseverance’ and goes on to say that perseverance is necessary to make us complete, to bring us to maturity. (James 1:3-4) When we see trials in this light, as a refining process which actually produces something good in us, we are less likely to be resentful of them and more able to find joy even in the hard times. Jesus promised to give us His joy (see John 15:11, 16:24), a promise we can rest on every day of our lives.

I firmly believe that the pathway to joy is lined with the daily discipline of giving thanks. Paul says, ‘Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’ (1 Thessalonians 5:18) He goes even further in Ephesians 5:20, saying, ‘always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.’

We become thankful, joyful people by joyfully giving thanks. It’s as simple as that. It’s a daily discipline. Pollyanna learned to play the ‘glad game’, finding reasons to be glad in every circumstance that came her way. Somehow, we find it much easier to list our complaints and moans and groans than we do to give thanks, but as we stop to count our blessings and think of reasons to be cheerful, our attitudes change, and we realise how blessed we are. Then we are, as C. S. Lewis put it, ‘surprised by joy.’