When people don't get along with each other, there's often anger, hurt, jealousy—conflict. When nations and peoples don't get along, there's often war (James 4:1-4). Surprisingly, the same dynamics are involved, but on a much larger—and deadlier—scale.

It's all about relationships. And the Bible—our Creator's instruction manual—is all about relationships too. God tells us how to ultimately get along with our families, friends, other nations—and with Him!

The Bible tells us that Abraham was the "friend of God" (James 2:23). How would you like to have a similar friendship with the God of the universe and learn of His ways? God desires to have a real, personal friendship with you and wants to offer you a part in His divine family.

Seeking a strong relationship with God does not always remove all conflict from our lives now, however, since this world generally is not following the way of peace.

Do you remember the story of the young shepherd boy, David (who was destined to be a king), who took care of his father's sheep? He used his time wisely, thinking deeply on many things about life as he observed God's awesome creation. He became a loyal friend of God, and that friendship made all the difference in the huge problems he was to face. He also practiced using his sling to protect the sheep in his care from lions, bears and other wild animals.

One day, a giant of a man, the famous Philistine warrior Goliath, and his army threatened to enslave David's people and ridiculed the army of God. David, although only a teenager, volunteered to fight this fierce and deadly soldier in the name of God. Because of his close relationship, God made David the victor in what appeared humanly to be a very one-sided battle.

The Bible tells us David picked up five smooth stones (he didn't know he would be so successful with his first attempt), and ran toward Goliath. The Philistine mocked David and said, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!" David replied, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied" (1 Samuel 17:44-45).

The rest is history—how David, with the help of his most powerful Friend, saved his people from this man who terrorized Israel. David became a hero and later became king of all Israel. The Bible says his throne will still be on the earth when Christ returns (Isaiah 9:7; Luke 1:32).

David is a good example of a young man who developed a close relationship with God through meditation and prayer. Today, we have the benefit of the Scriptures to read the many accounts of others who knew God and worshiped him. In Hebrews 11, there are references to many whose relationships with God enabled them to do strong exploits and incredible deeds. These are recorded to inspire us today.

Need a friend?

We live in a perilous and difficult world! There are many opportunities and lots of fun things to do; however, there are also pitfalls to avoid. We all know of people who have messed up their lives with drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, etc. What a shame to have such potential and be so very lost and troubled in a world that is moving away from God! Peter mentioned in his famous sermon on the Day of Pentecost, that the promises of God were available to the children of those God was calling: "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call" (Acts 2:39).

One of the strongest goals of those who attend our United Youth Camps is to have a better relationship with God. More than 70 percent of teens say they want to have a better relationship with God and His people. They can—and do—and so can you!

Developing a friendship

To have any type of relationship takes an investment of time. If you want a good friend at school or at church, you must cultivate that friendship. The same is true with a friendship with God. The best avenues toward that relationship are to pray to God and read about Him in the Bible. Prayer is conversation and we should do this often, not only when we need something.

As a young boy, David talked to God about His creation and His plan for man, and asked for guidance to help him become a better person. Try reading David's many Psalms and notice the themes. While prayer should generally be done privately (Matthew 6:6), we can pray when we are walking, riding in the car or sitting by ourselves. Being "instant in prayer" is talking to your friend when you need comfort or guidance (Romans 12:12, KJV). Daniel, taken captive as a young boy and led off to ancient Babylon (not far from modern Baghdad), prayed three times each day (Daniel 6:13).

You might ask how to carry on a conversation with someone who doesn't talk back. Good point! Yet God does talk to us in His Word, the Holy Bible. Christ is the Word of God. And we read, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).

A common trait of many great men throughout history has been daily reading of the Bible. We should cultivate that habit as well. A good Bible reading program is a helpful way to work through the Scriptures. An excellent one is available through the United Church of God at www.ucg.org/brp.

Another important tool is meditation. While David was sitting on a rock or standing by his flock, he often thought about God as he worked through the struggles and challenges of his day. How do you deal with stress and pressure? Why not take some time to quietly reflect on cause and effect? God's way is all about this important life principle.

In the book of Genesis two brothers faced a challenge in their relationship with each other and God. Cain and his brother Abel both presented sacrifices to God. God didn't accept Cain's and said, "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it" (Genesis 4:7). We all must rule over the evil desires that are all around us.

What does your future hold? We live in perilous times with lots of scary scenarios out there. You don't have to walk alone in a frightening world. You can have a friend that will lead you, teach and protect you. You can have a powerful friend in God. YU