I love the old hymns. They are like comfortable old friends. Though many churches emphasize more contemporary music in their worship services, many of the hymns from previous generations are still sung. They have survived through the ages because they are packed with truth from Scripture. The writers of the hymns were well acquainted with their Bibles, and the words they wrote revealed the character of God. They knew God as a Friend.
The biographies of many of the hymn writers show they wrote from places of pain in their own lives. They overcame painful circumstances because they knew God and His attributes. They knew by experience His loving care. That knowledge carried them through difficult times with unshakeable faith. They shared the comfort they received through their hymns.
I recently became aware of the story of the hymnist Joseph Scriven. Scriven’s story included the death of his bride to be the night before their wedding. She drowned in a river when she was thrown from a horse. Heartbroken, he left his native Ireland and settled in Port Hope, Canada.
Some years later he became engaged again, but this time the girl he was to marry contracted tuberculosis. For a second time he experienced the death of his fiancé before they could be married.
In the midst of all of the heartache, Joseph held onto his faith. Influenced by the Sermon on the Mount, he poured his life into ministry, doing charity work for the poor. He cut firewood for widows, and gave away his clothes and his money to the needy he encountered. He drew comfort from his Heavenly Father, and lived to comfort those around him.
When his mother, who was still in Ireland, faced a crisis, he wrote a poem and sent it to encourage her to pray unceasingly. We know it as, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,”
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
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.
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 thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
The simple words of his hymn remind me there is no greater Friend than Jesus to comfort us in our sorrow. When we take everything to Him in prayer, we can lift our attention away from
ourselves and our situations to God and His character. Reminding ourselves of His love and faithfulness dims the cares of this world.
This hymn occupies a special place in my mind because of a childhood memory. This was my grandmother’s favorite hymn. She had a habit of humming the melody as she moved through her daily activities. I remember her as being peaceful–all the time. I don’t recall any instances of seeing her agitated, worried or distressed. Undoubtedly she thought about the words as she hummed.
You are my friends if you do what I command. 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 15:14-15 NIV
How have you received comfort from knowing God’s character and knowing Him as your Faithful Friend? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
Copyright 2024 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by einoblixt from Pixabay
Thank you for the great information, Phyllis. I love the old hymns and all kinds of music.