What Needless Pain We Bear

Do you know the story behind this song, “What a friend we have in Jesus?”  

Joseph,  a man who was born on Sept. 10, 1819, in Ireland faced many circumstances throughout his life. He fell in love with a young lady who was eager to spend her life with him. However, on the day before their wedding, she drowned. At age 25, Joseph’s travels took him to an area near Port Hope, Canada. He met a wonderful young lady, Elisa Roche, and again fell in love. They had exciting plans to be married. However, tragedy reared its ugly head once again and she died before they could wed.

From this heartache, and through faith God, a mission was born. For ten years he made himself available to come alongside those that were in need and he found comfort and purpose in serving. Then, unbelievably, heartache struck again! His mother, still in Ireland and Scriven in Canada, became very ill and he did not have the funds to help her or to go and be with her. He penned the words to this poem for her and it has since comforted, encouraged and uplifted generations!

What a friend we have in Jesus. All our sins and griefs to bear. And 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

Surely, What a Friend We Have in Jesus is a song we have all related to at some point in our lives.

Are you cumbered with a load of care? Many of you are uncertain of what tomorrow will bring but our precious Savior, still our refuge does!! You can take whatever you’re going through to Him in prayer. Oh, what peace you and I often forfeit, what needless pain we bear when we neglect to turn over our troubles, fears and worries to the One who holds our future in His hands. But when we take it to Him in prayer, He will meet us in our despair and we will find solace, or comfort in His presence. Just like He did for David, Moses, Elijah; just like He did for these men of old, He can do for you.

Fear, Worry and stress not only ruins our day, but they are a toxic combination that eventually leaves our mental and physical equilibrium in tatters. Turn your cares over to the Lord; they are not yours to carry. Friend, Jesus is still near. Prayer still works! He has not forsaken us; He never will. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Don’t be afraid to storm the throne of Grace. In fact, God invites you to!

So what will you do this week? Take everything to God in prayer!