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. (Joseph Scriven, 1857)
Our extended family had been going through a hard challenge, and now within our own household we faced serious health issues. I felt weary with the weight of it all. My first reaction under such circumstances was could anything get worse? Despairing, I cried out to the Lord.
The Holy Spirit brought to mind the old hymn above. As I closely studied each phrase, I was reminded of life-giving truths. We don’t have to carry our pain ourselves, our Friend, Jesus, would carry it for us. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NLT) We can claim the rest that Jesus offers, and don’t have to live under the influence of chaotic circumstances. Talking openly to the Lord is the only way to deal with our burdens.
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.
There will always be trouble in our lives. “People are born for trouble as readily as sparks fly up from a fire.” (Job 5:7 NLT)
“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8,9 NLT)
The word “despair”, from Old French, and earlier, from Latin, means “without hope”. At first impact, a situation may appear to be without hope. We experience it from an emotional viewpoint, forgetting what God’s Word actually says. The truth is, Jesus is always with us, through every circumstance, shares our sorrows. He said in His Word,
“Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b NLT)
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lordyour God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”(Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT)
Jesus is faithful.
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.
Under pressure, we naturally take the load onto our own shoulders, but are unable to bear the weight of it. God’s Word says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” (Psalms 46:1 NLT)
Recently, we have felt the rejection of more than half the the members of our family, who wanted no contact with us. We have had to pray and give that over to the Lord. The last four lines of this hymn are especially meaningful to me. They remind me of a child being taken onto a parent’s lap, where he is comforted. As believers, the best place to take refuge is in the arms of our Lord. Let’s not be discouraged. What a friend we have in Him!
Thank you, Lord, that You are always there for us in times of trouble, sorrow, trials, temptations, and rejection. Help us to call upon You instead of carrying our pain ourselves. Amen.
Alice Burnett, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada