April 3, 2022
There are certain songs that are, for me, “spiritual surround-sound.”
The words and melody resonate with my heart long after the singing is done. Today’s song was written by a man who experienced much pain and suffering in his life, and yet for 200 years, brought joy to the lives of others by his words.
Born in Ireland, Joseph M. Scriven aimed for a career in the military, but poor health ended that choice. He emigrated to Canada shortly after his fiancée drowned on the eve of their wedding.
He wrote the poem to “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” as a way to encourage his mother who had fallen ill back in Ireland. (The words were later set to music by Charles Crozat Converse.)
Although Scriven found a wife-to-be where he settled in Ontario, she died suddenly of pneumonia before they could be married.
He devoted the rest of his life to tutoring, preaching, and helping others. Yet he himself struggled with depression.
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.
In His arms he’ll take and shield you,
You will find a solace there.
