The hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” has been on my mind lately. This prompted me to go online and look up the back story of these timeless lyrics. Songs like this come about because of life experience, usually of the lyricist.
I soon found multiple articles on the life of Joseph Scriven, who penned the words to “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” in the 1800’s. His life was riddled with grief and hardship. As a young man, he fell in love, but his fiancé drowned shortly before their wedding. He later became engaged to a woman who died of pneumonia before they were married. Even from these brief examples, we can imagine how alone Joseph Scriven must have felt at times in his life. However, we see how he learned to take his burdens to the Lord. His testimony and example live on as his well-known hymn is sung by countless people around the world.
Perhaps you are lonely, feeling as if you have not a friend in the world. Remember that Jesus longs to be your Friend if you will allow Him into your life! When we are complete in Christ, we are never alone. Our joy comes from Him, though the world around us may be crumbling. Consider this as you read the thought-provoking lines below.
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” By Joseph Scriven
What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge–
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you;
Thou wilt find a solace there.