My favourite hymn is “What a Friend we Have in Jesus.” My grandfather sang this hymn on a regular basis while I sat on his knee and although I was only five when he passed away, I still get teary-eyed when I hear this hymn.
Especially during this lockdown, and since I am unable to attend regular church service, this hymn reminds me that I am not alone. As the writer says: “What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief to bear, what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.” This reminds me that no matter how things are going on in my life, I can turn to prayer and my spirits will be uplifted.
In the second verse it says: “Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrow share? The writer reminds us we have a friend who is always there for us and who will share our burdens if we only ask. He will guide and lead us throughout what we are experiencing if only we go to Him in prayer and put our trust in Him.
I am including the words of the hymn. I hope that if you are feeling lonely, tempted or alone that you read this hymn and that it will bring you comfort. I know that when I feel that life is giving me more than I can handle I go to this hymn and read those comforting words and I know that despite what I am facing I am not alone, and God is with me and will sustain me through what I am facing.
Diana, Ontario
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 thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Text: Public Domain