Title: What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Hymn Number: SS&S 319 (Sacred songs and solo)
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 !
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear——
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer !
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 !
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,
About The Hymn
The hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, found as hymn 319 in Sacred Songs and Solos, is a beloved Christian hymn written by Joseph Scriven in 1855. It is a heartfelt reminder of the intimate and personal relationship believers can have with Jesus, emphasizing the solace, strength, and companionship He offers in every circumstance. Each of the three verses explores a different aspect of the comfort and peace found in Jesus, especially through prayer and trust.
Verse 1: Jesus as a Faithful Friend in Every Need
The first verse begins with the declaration, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!” This opening line emphasizes Jesus’ unique role as a Friend who bears not only our burdens but also the weight of our sins. It highlights His sacrificial love and willingness to walk alongside us in every trial. The idea of Jesus as a friend resonates deeply, providing a sense of closeness and reassurance.
The verse continues with the exhortation to bring everything to God in prayer. It suggests that prayer is the bridge between human struggles and divine intervention. By taking our concerns to Jesus, we are unburdened of worries that otherwise weigh heavily on our hearts. The rhetorical question, “Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh, what needless pain we bear,” challenges believers to reflect on how often they suffer unnecessarily because they fail to rely on Jesus in prayer. The verse concludes with the encouragement to trust in Jesus fully, finding relief and peace by casting all cares upon Him.
Verse 2: Finding Comfort in Trials and Temptations
The second verse turns its focus to the challenges and trials of life, asking, “Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?” These questions reflect the universality of human struggles, reminding worshippers that everyone faces difficulties. Yet, the hymn immediately points to the solution: Jesus is always present to offer help and support.
The line, “We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer,” underscores the central theme of the hymn—that prayer is the believer’s greatest resource. No matter the magnitude of the trial, Jesus is portrayed as a faithful confidant who understands our struggles intimately. He not only sympathizes with our pain but actively works to provide comfort and strength.
This verse also emphasizes Jesus’ ability to guide and sustain us when we feel weak or tempted. By turning to Him in prayer, believers find both the resolve to endure life’s hardships and the assurance that they are never alone.
Verse 3: Jesus as a Source of Rest and Peace
The final verse brings attention to those moments when we feel weary, burdened, or abandoned. It begins with the comforting invitation: “Are we weak and heavy-laden, cumbered with a load of care?” This line echoes Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites the weary to come to Him for rest. The imagery captures the weight of life’s struggles but quickly redirects the focus to Jesus, who provides relief and solace.
The verse assures believers that Jesus is not only willing but able to carry their burdens. “Precious Savior, still our refuge,” reminds us of His unchanging love and faithfulness. Even when friends or loved ones fail or forsake us, the hymn reassures that Jesus never will. The line, “In His arms He’ll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there,” paints a tender picture of Jesus’ protective embrace, offering comfort and security amid life’s storms.
Overall Message and Significance
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is a hymn of deep personal faith, offering profound encouragement to believers. It teaches that Jesus is not just a distant Savior but an ever-present Friend who shares in our sorrows and carries our burdens. Its central message is the power and privilege of prayer, portraying it as the means through which we access God’s peace, guidance, and strength.
The hymn reflects universal Christian experiences: facing trials, enduring temptation, and longing for peace. Yet, it turns every struggle into an opportunity to trust in Jesus and deepen one’s relationship with Him. Its simplicity, warmth, and accessibility have made it a cherished hymn in both personal devotion and congregational worship.
The hymn’s timelessness lies in its ability to remind believers of Jesus’ unfailing friendship and the peace found in surrendering all to Him through prayer. Whether sung in moments of joy or sorrow, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” continues to inspire faith, trust, and hope.