Being a child of God has many blessings. Those in the world who have no religious belief, have to struggle through life’s problems mostly alone. They might have a friend who will comfort them, but that comfort has limitations.
The Christian has a friend that has no limitations when it comes to comfort (2 Cor. 1:3-5). This friend has shown love beyond human understanding in giving his life for all mankind. This friend is Jesus.
Christians should always have in their mind the comfort that Jesus has to offer, but sometimes the world and its problems overwhelm them. Others begin to trust in their own ability to cope and handle everything that happens, forgetting that God is the one in control.
 The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: … and with his stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:4 – 5). Sin with its shame and guilt weigh man down. Left in that state man would have to bear that grief all his days but Jesus bore the sins of mankind to the cross. Those who obey the gospel know the peace of having those sins forgiven never to be remembered again, by God.
Jesus became the friend of man by coming into the world as a man, knowing what it is like to face the temptations of Satan (Matt. 4). It is because of his friendship to man that Christians have the privilege of approaching God in prayer, knowing there is mediator who knows man’s weaknesses.
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, … Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:14-16). Some forget this blessing and suffer more heartache and worry than a Christian should have. When a Christian has done all they can do it is time to leave it up to God.
Trials, temptations and troubles are a part of life (Job 14:1). Trials of life take on many forms. It might come in the form of persecution by those who do not believe in God and despise those who do, or a well-meaning brother who thinks he has all the answers and really does not even know the questions. It could be health related, or the loss of a job.
Temptations often come in weak moments when the troubles of life have surrounded an individual. It is when those things occur that the Christian should heed the words of the Apostle Peter and cast all their care upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7).
Forgetting to do this would lead to discouragement, just as happened in the life of Elijah. Though he had been successful showing up the prophets of Baal, he felt he was the only one left standing for God. God showed him he was not alone. Discouragement will lead to forgetting one is not alone, we have a Friend who is willing to share all our sorrows and trials.
It needs to be remembered that the Lord knows everything about man, all the good qualities and the weaknesses. Jesus told his disciples that God knew the number of the hairs of their head, and that God knew when a sparrow fell to the ground.
 He then told them they were of more value than sparrows. Christians are to work to strengthen themselves in the Lord (2 Peter 3:18), but even then there will still be weakness’s, and that is when it is time to take those things to God through Jesus in prayer.
Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).
This friend is always there, waiting to comfort and uplift the one who is in need. He offers this compassion to everyone who will come to him.