What a Friend We Have in Jesus | Songs and Everlasting Joy

Joseph M. Scriven wrote the words for this hymn in 1855 (as a poem and never intended to be a hymn) from a life of disappointment and grief. He was unable to fulfil his career due to health issues, lost not one, but two of his brides-to-be just before the wedding to accident and illness. He also suffered financial loss and depression. Yet, through it all, he had a friend in Jesus. We, too, can have that assurance. Jesus is our friend, no matter what life throws at us. Now matter the grief, disappointments or sorrows. What a friend we have in Jesus.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Verse 1
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.

Verse 2
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!

Verse 3
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 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.