What a Friend We Have in Jesus

At church on Sunday, the choir sang this hymn as the anthem. As an experiment to enliven the traditional service, we had only three men sing, accompanied by guitars and banjo, to give it a country and bluegrass feel. Later on, we heard the very same song being sung again after the service, this time with drums and electric guitar backing it up, which turned out to be the youth ministry rehearsing this hymn, along with other contemporary songs, in the hall upstairs.

Hearing the same song being used by two different groups in my church brought to mind how different and yet how similar are the needs and worries of the adults and the youth. They might seem very divergent to begin with: the adults with their problems in the workplace, with raising a family, earning enough to feed them and clothe them, and not letting everyday distractions interfere with their spiritual walk, while the youth are beginning their process of socialisation in school and with their friends, struggling with parent problems, learning about life's disappointments and basically wondering what's out there waiting for them in their lives to come.

No matter what problems may assail us, though, this hymn points us to something that cuts through all of them, namely the privilege and comfort of being able to 'carry everything to God in prayer.' And it's true that we have many times had (to paraphrase the refrain) peace forfeited and needless pain borne because we think we are strong enough to solve our own problems with the ways of the world when our strength is never enough. Indeed a youth thinking about the future and how ugly the world can be might despair save for having our Saviour who is 'still our refuge', and an older person might feel worn down and tired from all the stress and demands on his person, but he 'should never be discouraged', if he 'take(s) it to the Lord in prayer.'

Ultimately, though, one major reason that we turn to the Lord for solace is because of death, and our fear of when and how it might come. The third time I heard the hymn on Sunday was while I was walking out to the MRT station to go home, and passed a void deck where a wake was being held. The mourners were closing their eyes and slowly swaying and I could feel that the tune and words were heartfelt and earnest. When we really do experience grief, then, we can trust that 'in his arms he'll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there.'

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)

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!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O 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 Saviour still our refuge; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do they 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.