The Story Behind the Hymn...
Do you have friends who fail? Like Joseph, we hope you find a true friend in Jesus
He was a servant, and had surrendered his life to meet the needs of the poor and the hurting. He too went through many hurts.
Joseph M. Scriven, a Christian poet born in 1819, had a promising career having graduated as a teacher from the Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. Unfortunately, the night before his wedding, his wife to be drowned and did not survive.
After this ordeal, Scriven traveled to Canada to start again. A few weeks prior to his planned wedding, his newly found beloved, fell sick and died of a pneumonia.
Also, while in Canada, Scriven had received news about his mom who was very sick in Ireland. In the midst of yet another trial, the Irish poet wrote to his mom the poem: ‘What a friend we have in Jesus’, which would later become one of the most popular and profound Christian hymns.
Having gone through several tough times, Scriven is remembered today for investing his life to help the needy, and also for his wonderful write-ups.
May you discover this day a friend who is ready to carry all your burden; who will console you in all your trials, and who earnestly seeks to get into a more intimate relationship with you. He’s Jesus Christ!
The Hymn
1
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!
2
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.
3
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.
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