January 12, 2021 (Tuesday)
We choose to sing, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” to remind us that Jesus is our close friend who sticks with us in all the many circumstances of life. The main message of this hymn can be stated like this: “Since Jesus is our greatest friend, let us go to Him in prayer when we need His help.” So the main thrust of this hymn is prayer.
Jesus is a friend like no other, for He can and does bear our sins, and He comforts us in our grief. Let us not forfeit His peace within by bearing our pain alone. He is willing to help, so let us go to Him in prayer. He faithfully shares our trials, temptations and all kinds of trouble, because he knows our weaknesses and wants to help. Others may despise or forsake us, but Jesus is our refuge and will give us spiritual strength as we go to Him in prayer.
WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS
Words, Joseph M. Scriven
Music, Charles C. Converse
1865
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.