What A Friend We Have In Jesus

Lately I have seen many people put up notes on Facebook or write on their blog about their faith and different epiphanies or realizations that they have had, so I felt that I might contribute an entry of my own. I hope you enjoy reading it.

I recently was reading the words to a pretty well-known hymn called What A Friend We Have In Jesus. I've heard the hymn sung many times before but I had never really paid much attention to the actual lyrics. I find that just listening to a song is ineffective in finding the meaning hidden inside the words. I believe that a song is only as powerful as its lyrics. I read this hymn and realized that this song wasn't just meant to be sung in church services for no apparent reason, but was meant to be a message of comfort to people who feel alone and discouraged in the world.
The first verse says that Jesus is a friend who takes on our burdens and cares out of love. We often suffer needlessly, holding grudges or reliving past sins when all we have to do is come before God and lay our troubles before His throne. The verse says it is a PRIVILEGE to bring our sins to Christ and yet so many people choose to not take the time to ask God for forgiveness for past hurts that can damage us mentally and spiritually.
The second verse talks about trials and temptations that we face on a daily basis. It says in John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV) Jesus took all of our sin so that we do not have to worry about future problems. There is no other person that will stick closer to us during our time of need. We may not always be able to see Him, feel His presence, or see how things will work out in the end, but nevertheless, He is there. It says that Jesus knows our every weakness. The Bible says that God will not tempt anyone beyond what they can endure and there is always a way out, whether we choose to escape or not. (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV)
The third verse speaks about burdens and difficulties. Everyone experiences them some time or other in their life and some hardships may seem more extreme than others, however, they are still adversities. Some choose to seek God in times of trouble, while others choose to walk away from Him. Nevertheless, God is still our refuge regardless, and is standing there, waiting for us to return to Him and seek His comfort and grace. Some people have experienced rejection by someone, whether it is a loved one, a family member or parent, a friend, etc. This is devastating and many often take on the blame for the rejection; believing that they did something to merit the disdain. They might feel that there is no one out there that will accept them for who they are, just as they are. There is someone like that, though. It's Jesus. He loved all of us so much that he went against His own will to suffer and die for us on the cross, take all of our sins, and defeat death so that we might spend eternity with Him. If we feel unloved by others around us, there is always comfort in knowing that God cares for us. Psalm 27:10 says "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me." (NIV)
Finally, the last verse, which some people don't tend to remember, and which I had never read or heard sung before. It talks about God's promise to always bear our burdens as long as we faithfully give them over to Him. It says that when we die, we will be in God's presence for all eternity, where there will be no need for prayer as there will be no more tears, sin or suffering in God's Marvelous Light. There, we will forever be praising God in heaven for His generous salvation, never-ending faithfulness, loving guidance, unconditional love and everlasting comfort.

Verse 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!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 4:
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.