How do you see God? Do you see God as a king? He is surely a King. Do you see God as a father? He is surely a father. But He is also a friend. Proverbs 18:24 says, “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” That friend is Jesus. He will be there for you through thick and thin. You can share your deepest, darkest secrets with Him. He is a friend who loves you and wants to help you. In the ways you see God, make sure to add friend to the mix. Share your successes and failures with Him. Don’t sugar-coat your problems to make them more presentable to the king or to your father. Share them just as they are. Share them openly and honestly, like you would share them if you were talking to your best friend. If you will relate to God in this way, you will be amazed at the closeness and intimacy that will result. Now that’s Real Hope.