1 Samuel 18:1 (NKJV)
“Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.”

We have prayer partners, accountability partners, marriage partners, spiritual leaders, spiritual mentors, disciples, etc, but sometimes, what we really need is a covenant friend. There is a space in each soul that longs for this.

We don’t know too much about Jonathan’s background, but one thing was clear—he had obviously been longing for a deep soul mate. I don’t know what Jonathan saw in David that day, but his soul knotted with David.

To ensure that this relationship would not escape him, the Bible says in verse 3 (NLT) that, “Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself.” NKJV says he made a covenant, “because he loved him as his own soul.”

As we journey through life, don’t be afraid to ask God to give you such a person. God wants to give you a deep relationship with that special person. This may be your spouse, but it might be someone else.

Of course, you must be very careful who you open your life to at this deep level. This kind of commitment puts this friendship above every other human loyalty. This covenant friend becomes one with your soul. And this is scary.

In verse 4, Jonathan gave David his robe, his armor, his sword, his bow, and his belt. While this seemed a bit extreme, it shows us what covenant relationship looks like. This kind of friendship is a fierce kind of love.

Life can be treacherous and lonely. Life can feel overwhelming. We each need a safe place to pour out, to feel fully loved and accepted, to rest. Too many of us feel bottled up and bottled in but we cannot fully share.

When Jonathan saw and heard David, he knew this was his covenant friend. He knew by revelation. As you pray, may you find your covenant friend. If the king’s son needed such a person, don’t be afraid to find yours as well.