Contents
What a friend we have in Jesus lyrics
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is a timeless anthem of comfort and spiritual friendship that has touched the hearts of countless people throughout time. We will examine the meaning behind the composition of this beloved hymn, as well as its ongoing influence on our lives, as we delve into its lyrics in this blog article.
Understanding the Origin:
-
- Authorship: The lyrics of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” were penned by Joseph M. Scriven in the 19th century. Born in Ireland, Scriven faced personal tragedies, including the loss of his fiancée just before their wedding and the subsequent death of his mother.
-
- Inspiration: The hymn was born out of Scriven’s deep personal experiences of sorrow and his abiding faith in Jesus Christ as a source of comfort and strength.
Exploring the lyrics:
-
- 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!”
-
- In these lines, Scriven introduces Jesus as a compassionate friend who willingly bears our burdens and invites us to bring everything to God through prayer.
-
- 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!”
-
- Verse 2: “O what peace we often forfeit; O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!”
-
- This verse highlights the missed opportunities for peace and relief when we fail to turn to God in prayer, emphasising the transformative power of a trusting relationship with Christ.
-
- Verse 2: “O what peace we often forfeit; O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!”
-
- Verse 3: “Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.”
-
- Scriven reassures believers that in times of trials, temptations, and troubles, turning to Jesus in prayer is the key to overcoming discouragement.
-
- Verse 3: “Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.”
-
- Verse 4: “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.”
-
- The hymn acknowledges Jesus as an unwavering and faithful friend who understands our weaknesses and is willing to share in our sorrows.
-
- Verse 4: “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.”
Impact on Our Lives:
-
- Comfort in Grief: The hymn resonates deeply with those facing grief and loss, offering a comforting reminder that Jesus is a compassionate friend who shares in our sorrows.
-
- Encouragement in Trials: In times of trials and challenges, the lyrics inspire believers to find strength and solace in the presence of Jesus through prayer.
-
- Remedy for Anxiety: The hymn addresses the tendency to carry needless pain and forfeit peace by encouraging a reliance on prayer as a means of casting anxieties upon the Lord.
-
- A Source of Hope: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” serves as a source of hope, reminding believers that they can find understanding, support, and a faithful friend in Christ.
Biblical References:
-
- Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): The hymn’s emphasis on turning to God in prayer aligns with the biblical instruction to present our requests to God with thanksgiving, experiencing the peace that transcends understanding.
-
- Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV): The idea of finding rest and relief in Jesus is reflected in His invitation for those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest.
Note
More than just a song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is a timeless declaration of faith and a celebration of the unfailing friendship found in Jesus Christ. The hymn serves as a powerful reminder to come to Jesus in prayer during difficult times and to acknowledge Him as a devoted friend who shares in both our joys and sorrows and bears our load.
I pray that these thought-provoking lyrics will serve as a constant reminder of our eternal friendship with Jesus and the transformational effect of presenting everything to God in prayer. This hymn’s straightforward lyrics have endured for generations, giving believers all throughout the world comfort, hope, and a strong sense of connectedness. Read other related posts.
what a friend we have in Jesus lyrics, what a friend we have in Jesus lyrics, what a friend we have in Jesus lyrics, what a friend we have in Jesus lyrics, what a friend we have in Jesus lyrics, what a friend we have in Jesus lyrics