What a Friend We Have in Jesus (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 742)
1 What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
ev’rything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit;
oh, what needless pain we bear —
all because we do not carry
ev’rything 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 ev’ry 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 your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.
Text: Joseph Scriven; Music: Charles C. Converse; Public Domain
Devotion
In 2003, I was diagnosed with cancer. In my ministry I have had a number of members with cancer who, believing their cancer was a punishment from God, saw God as an enemy. I never viewed my cancer that way. Instead, I viewed the cancer as the enemy that was destroyed so that I might enjoy the abundant life promised by Jesus. (John 10:10) While dealing with cancer, I found hope in the hymns of the church. “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” and “I’ve Never Been Out of His Care” were two that I listened to many times. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” was and still is my favorite. The hymn reminds me that Jesus is a friend, never an enemy, who is there to help us when we face the difficulties in life. Jesus takes us in his arms and becomes a refuge, shares our sorrows, and helps bear our burdens.
Prayer
My precious Friend, be with all who are dealing with cancer. Continue to remind them that you are with them to listen to their cries for help and support them in their journey. Destroy their cancer and give them a new life to enjoy. Amen.