What a Friend
Dear Friends,
Have you ever awakened with a song on your heart and you’re not sure where it came from? That was me this morning. Before my peepers even saw the light of the morning my head was humming “What a friend we have in Jesus…” Now I’m not complaining mind you. Affirming my kinship with my Lord and Savior first thing before my feet hit the floor is surely a comfort to my soul. I’m assuming it was the Spirit singing inside me so I can share with you. So let’s listen to Mr. Joseph M. Scriven’s 19th century top-o-the-charts hit.*
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Now let’s stop right there. (I do apologize if your spirit was just getting’ stirred. I have posted all the words, without my bothersome interruptions, at the end of my letter.)
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. Now that’s according to the Good Word, brothers and sisters. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing - NO THING - but in everything with prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known to God.” Now if that isn’t a privilege I don’t know what is. He says, “Cast all our cares on Him because He CARES for you.” He cares about you, church. He cares that you’re feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. He cares that your bank account is running skinny. He cares your kids are pistols. But He doesn’t want you to carry those burdens all by your lonesome self. He says, “Cast them on Me! My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” So Brother Scriven was anointed with Biblical truth and encouragement when he wrote, “What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.” So before you keep on reading, bow your head and close your eyes and start casting your cares on the Lord Jesus.
Go on. I’ll wait on you……………………………………….
Now don’t you feel a whole lot lighter kicking those cares to the curb?! Oh yes, it truly is an honor and privilege to have the freedom of care-casting!
Now let’s keep singing along with Mr. Scriven’s:
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer! Another fount of truth! I have a dear friend named Max who when he sees someone a fretting on something he prods them, “Don’t you borrow sorrow, sister!” Don’t be downcast about woulda, coulda, shoulda. You’re jeopardizing the perfect peace Brother Isaiah sings in the 26th chapter of his Good Book: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Is 26:3)
Because he trusts in You. He casts his cares on his friend Jesus. Oh! What peace we so often forfeit because we keep on carrying our concerns. And how many of you, when you’re feeling distraught head straight for the icebox? You’re subtly saying, “I’d rather get my comfort from Mint Oreos than the God Almighty.” And of course the low hanging fruit of wisdom comes from Dr. Phil when he says, “So how’s that working out for you?” Remember next time you’re reaching in that pantry for some TLC, call on your Good Friend Jesus. I dare you to pray this prayer:
“Lord Jesus, my heart is lonely. (Add your own personal sorrow - fearful, anxious, frustrated…) Those folks at my work get on my last nerve. I’m feelin’ deeply downcast and a bag o’ Nacho Cheese Doritos sounds real soothing. Would you like to join me Jesus? Or would You prefer to walk the dog around the neighborhood, looking for someone to encourage?”
Take ten seconds to make Him that offer and see how the Holy Spirit speaks to your soul. “Cus whatever you do, He’s right there with you you know!
OK, I’m struggling with succinct on this letter but I gotta do Mr. Scriven’s hymn justice by noting all the verses.
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
I can just hear the teenagers of today saying, “Duh!” Is there trouble anywhere? Is there a place on this planet that’s safe and serene? Only if you turn off your TV and your fancy phone and your Internet and you pretend you’re living up in the heavenlies. (Don’t turn it all off or you won’t be able to read my letters…) So obviously troubles abound. And for you who are working hard to eat real food, temptation abounds too. The monthly office birthday party. Fast food on every corner. Grandma’s German Chocolate cake “…made special for you.”
Fret not!
Start singing and praying!
“We should never be discouraged. Take it to the Lord in prayer.”
“Lord Jesus, You have promised You are behind and before me. You assure me that when I am weak - when I die to myself and rely on Your Spirit - You fill me with Your perfect peace. You know the sweets offered after church are a temptation and potential pitfall for me. Fill me with Your Spirit of self-control - Lord, I need Spirit-control, NOT self-control - that I might have victory over the Devil’s donuts!”
See! You did it!! You took it to the Lord in prayer!! He has heard you and prepared you for the Battle of the Buffet!
OK brothers and sisters, I’ve gone way beyond Simon’s recommendation for staying succinct, so take a peek at the last three verses of What a Friend and I’ll bring this letter to a close. Note these lines in particular:
“Can we find a friend so faithful?” How many times do you find yourself whining about something to your best buddy when you’ve never even mentioned the issue to your Best Buddy?
“Jesus knows our every weakness.” Do you think your coming before the God Almighty about your food obsession will surprise Him? Disappoint Him? The only thing that’s disappointing Him is you trying to deal with the struggle by yourself. Remember, when you are weak, then you are strong.
“In His arms He’ll take and shield thee. Thou wilt find a solace there.”
Now doesn’t that make your shoulders relax a mite? Your heart gladden a tad? Your peace bubble up a bit?
Brothers and sisters, don’t spend one more day forfeiting your peace.
Take everything to your Lord in prayer.
Live Well,
Grace
*Did you know Mr. Scriven wrote these words from Canada to comfort and encourage his dear mother who was very ill in Ireland? It was later set to music by Charles Converse and renamed, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
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.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.