A Brown County-area pastor is encouraging readers to consider their relationship with God as a lasting friendship—one marked by presence, listening, honesty and encouragement.

Dalton Mathis, pastor of Salt Creek Baptist Church near Early, makes the case in the latest installment of his “Pastor’s Pen” column, published by Brownwood News at 6:30 a.m. Aug. 30, 2026. Drawing on Psalm 25:14 and other Bible passages, Mathis writes that believers have access to God and communion with Him through Jesus.

A friendship that remains

Mathis presents the idea as more than a theological description. He says it offers comfort in everyday life, particularly because Christians can view Jesus as a friend who loves consistently and remains close.

One part of the column contrasts dependable friendship with relationships that disappear when circumstances change. Mathis recalls hearing the testimony of a person who had many friends while running a prosperous business and owning a large ranch. After the ranch was sold when the business declined, that person discovered that the number of friends also fell.

Mathis uses the story to emphasize his belief that God’s presence does not depend on a person’s wealth, debts or physical condition. He writes that God remains available in both prosperous and difficult seasons and can be counted on as a source of help.

Four qualities of a good friend

The column organizes its reflection around four qualities Mathis associates with friendship with God:

  • Being present: Mathis points to the biblical promise that God will not leave or forsake believers, describing God as present in both life’s highs and lows.
  • Listening: He writes that people can bring everything to God in prayer and trust Him to hear them and help them cope with what they are facing.
  • Speaking the truth: Mathis says a good friend tells someone what they need to hear rather than simply what they want to hear. In his column, God is presented as the source of perfect truth, including difficult truths.
  • Providing encouragement: Mathis describes God as a builder rather than a destroyer for believers. He says drawing near to God and spending time with Him can strengthen and encourage a person’s faith.

Mathis closes by calling friendship with God a gift and urging readers to spend time in that relationship during the week. His suggested practices include talking with God, walking with Him, laughing with Him and trusting Him while pursuing personal dreams and goals.

The column is identified as local news and was written by Mathis for BrownwoodNews.com. Brownwood News says his column appears on Sunday mornings.