The old refrain "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" resonates with so many of us because we all need a friend who can empathize with us in every circumstance. Jesus walked among the men whom He would save in order to relate to individuals and to make those individuals realize that they could approach Him. Joseph Scriven learned he could share his heart with a Savior who knew on a personal level exactly what Scriven was facing. In 1857, Scriven wrote "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." Many Christians know by heart the famous first verse, but few are aware of the powerful words in the second verse:
"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."
Scriven knew the legitimacy of Christ’s friendship. He knew Christ had suffered, so it was easy for Scriven’s friendship with Christ to deepen when, the night before his scheduled wedding, Scriven’s fiancée drowned. Scriven in his grief left Ireland for Canada.
There, his great hymn itself was born of anguish. The hymn was part of a letter that he sent to his ill mother back in Ireland. He simply was reminding her how to get in touch with an old Friend.
Hebrews 4:13-16 NKJ
13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
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