The Closest Friend You Have

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Today, loneliness is an epidemic in our culture. How I long for the lonely to know and trust in the one who promised, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

Do you realize that as New Testament Christians, we have something our Old Testament counterparts could only dream of? When someone today puts their faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside them. God Himself takes up residence within the believer. Of course, before Christ, the Holy Spirit came upon certain individuals—Moses, Samson, and David, to name a few—but He came only for a particular task or assignment, not to stay. Things are different now. Because of Jesus, we have the presence of God’s Spirit with us, day in and day out.

We may grieve the Holy Spirit from time to time (Ephesians 4:30); we may even quench Him (1 Thessalonians 5:19). But He’s never going to leave us or abandon us. On the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit of God came to dwell on the earth in every believer, He came to stay. That means that if you have the Holy Spirit, you are never alone. You have a constant companion and the most loyal of friends. And the Holy Spirit is not just any friend; He is the very breath of God, the Spirit of the living God come to earth to do God’s will in and through you.

Moreover, through the Holy Spirit, we are connected to God the Father and God the Son (John 14:23). This is why Jesus could promise to be with us “to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). And contrary to what some people may think, Jesus isn’t some genie or good luck charm we take with us on the journey for when things get rough. Instead, He is the most loyal, gracious, and precious friend you could ever have. He is closer to you than your own hands or feet—and He loves you so much He willingly laid down His life for you. Proverbs tells us, “[T]here is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (18:24). Make no mistake about it: Jesus is that friend.

So, as you step into this new year, remember: You are not alone. The Lord is always with you. He is your constant companion; He is the lover of your soul, and He will never abandon you.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for coming into my heart to guide and renew me day by day. I know I am never alone because I am a temple of the Spirit of God. What a wondrous gift! Help me to draw on You every day to live for Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Marking the New Year: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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