What a friend we have in Jesus.

 Of course. That beloved hymn captures one of the most comforting truths of the Christian faith—the intimate, personal friendship we have with Christ. It is a friendship that bears every burden and hears every prayer.

Here is a poem reflecting on that wonderful friend.

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The Truest Friend

What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to Him in prayer.

Oh, the peace we often forfeit, Oh,the needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to Him in prayer.

These words, so old, yet ever new, Prove endlessly and deeply true. When other friends cannot perceive, When our own hearts are taught to grieve…

You are there.

Not a distant, watching God, But a friend who trod the sod. Who knows our weakness,feels our pain, Who walks with us through sun and rain.

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15)

You are the friend who sticks so close, You know our every fear,our every dose Of sadness that we try to hide— You are the one who stays inside.

So why should I be burdened so? Why should I let my worries grow? Why bear a weight I cannot stand, When I can reach for Your sure hand?

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

I bring it all—the shame, the sorrow, The anxious thought of each tomorrow. The hidden ache,the silent tear, The thing I’ve carried year by year.

I speak it plainly, without fear, Because I know my friend will hear. And in the hearing,He will share The burden that I cannot bear.

What a friend we have in Jesus. He takes our prayer,and makes it His. He meets our need,and gives us grace To run with joy this earthly race.

So I will go to Him in prayer, And leave my every worry there. For I have found a friend indeed— On Him,my every hope I’ll feed.