What a Friend we have in Jesus.

 ### **What a Friend We Have in Jesus**  

**"What a Friend We Have in Jesus"** is one of the most beloved hymns of all time, written by **Joseph M. Scriven** in 1855. It beautifully captures the comfort, hope, and deep friendship we have with Christ.  

---

### 📜 **The Story Behind the Hymn**  

- **Joseph Scriven**, an Irish immigrant to Canada, wrote this hymn as a poem to comfort his mother during a time of grief.  

- He himself faced immense suffering—his fiancée drowned the night before their wedding, and later, another love also died young.  

- Despite his pain, he found solace in Jesus, calling Him the truest Friend.  

---

### ✝️ **Scriptural Foundation**  

The hymn echoes **Jesus’ words in John 15:13-15**:  

> *"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants... but I have called you friends."*  

Other key Bible truths in the hymn:  

1. **Jesus Bears Our Sins & Sorrows** (1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:4)  

2. **We Can Take Everything to God in Prayer** (Philippians 4:6-7)  

3. **He Offers Peace in Trials** (John 14:27)  

---

### 🎶 **Lyrics & Meaning**  

#### **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!"*  

- **Truth**: Jesus is a Friend who *carries* our burdens (Matthew 11:28).  

- **Challenge**: Do we truly bring *everything* to Him—worries, guilt, pain?  

#### **Verse 2**  

*"Have we trials and temptations?*  

*Is there trouble anywhere?*  

*We should never be discouraged—*  

*Take it to the Lord in prayer."*  

- **Truth**: He is our refuge in storms (Psalm 46:1).  

- **Warning**: Discouragement comes when we rely on ourselves, not 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."*  

- **Truth**: His strength is perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).  

- **Promise**: He is a *refuge* (Psalm 62:8).  

---

### 💡 **Why This Hymn Still Speaks Today**  

1. **Jesus is a *True Friend***  

   - Unlike people, He never fails (Proverbs 18:24).  

   - He knows our deepest struggles (Hebrews 4:15).  

2. **Prayer is Our Lifeline**  

   - Many Christians carry burdens alone—but God says, *"Cast all your anxiety on Me"* (1 Peter 5:7).  

3. **Peace in Any Storm**  

   - The hymn reminds us: No pain is too great for Jesus.  

---

### 🙏 **A Prayer Inspired by the Hymn**  

*"Lord Jesus, thank You for being my truest Friend.  

Forgive me for trying to carry my burdens alone.  

Today, I bring You my [name a worry, sin, or sorrow].  

Help me trust You fully and find peace in Your presence.  

Amen."*  

---

### 🎵 **Final Thought**  

This hymn isn’t just a sweet song—it’s a **battle cry for weary souls**. Whatever you’re facing today, remember: **You have a Friend in Jesus—take it to Him in prayer!**  

*"Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!"*