Title: I have a friend in Jesus
Hymn Number: SS&S 104 (Sacred songs and solo)
1 I have found a friend in Jesus,— He’s everything to me;
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul !
The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see—
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole;
In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay;
He tells me every care on Him to roll:
He’s theLily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star;
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul !
In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay;
He tells me every care on Him to roll:
He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star;
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul !
2 He all my grief has taken, and all my sorrows borne;
In temptation He’s my strong and mighty tower;
I’ve all for Him forsaken, I’ve all my idols torn
From my heart—and now He keeps me by His power.
Though all the world forsake me, and
Satan tempt me sore,
Through Jesus I shall safely reach the goal.
He’s the Lily of the Valley, the
Bright and Morning Star;
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul !
3 He’ll never, never leave me nor yet
forsake me here,
While I live by faith, and do His blessed will;
A wall of fire about me, I’ve nothing now to fear:
With His manna He my hungry soul shall fill.
When crowned at last in glory, I’ll
see His blessed face,
Where rivers of delight shall ever roll.
His Names and Titles
He’s theLily of the Valley, the
Bright and Morning Star;
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to
my soul !
About The Hymn
The hymn “I Have a Friend in Jesus”, numbered 104 in Sacred Songs and Solos, is a heartfelt expression of personal faith and trust in Jesus as the ultimate friend and Savior. Written by Fanny J. Crosby, this hymn celebrates the close relationship between the believer and Christ, emphasizing His love, care, and faithfulness. Each of its three verses explores different aspects of Jesus’ friendship and the joy and assurance it brings.
Verse 1: Jesus as a Faithful Friend
“I have a Friend in Jesus, whose love is strong and true, and never fails howe’er ’tis tried, no matter what I do.”
The first verse introduces Jesus as a friend whose love is unwavering and unconditional. It highlights His faithfulness, which remains steadfast regardless of human failings.
The verse continues:
“I’ve sinned against this love of His, but when I knelt to pray, confessing all my guilt to Him, the sin-clouds rolled away.”
This line reflects the believer’s experience of forgiveness and restoration through repentance. It illustrates how Jesus’ friendship provides a safe place to confess sins and find grace, emphasizing His role as a merciful Redeemer.
Verse 2: Jesus as the Source of Comfort
“Sometimes the clouds of trouble bedim the sky above, I cannot see my Savior’s face, I doubt His wondrous love.”
The second verse acknowledges the struggles and doubts that believers may face in times of trouble. It conveys the reality of human frailty while pointing to Jesus as the source of comfort and reassurance.
It continues:
“But He, from heaven’s mercy seat, beholding my despair, in pity bursts the clouds between, and shows me He is there.”
This line beautifully captures Jesus’ compassion and His ability to intervene in moments of doubt and fear. It reassures believers that Jesus is always present, ready to restore peace and faith.
Verse 3: The Joy of Abiding in Jesus
“I have a Friend in Jesus, oh, such a wondrous Friend! I’ll love Him to the end.”
The final verse is a declaration of unwavering love and devotion to Jesus. It reflects the believer’s joy in knowing Christ and the eternal hope found in their relationship with Him.
The hymn concludes:
“And, so through all eternity, His glory I’ll proclaim; and ever shout my song of praise to that dear Savior’s name.”
This line emphasizes the believer’s eternal gratitude and worship for Jesus. It points to the everlasting nature of the friendship with Christ, which extends beyond this life into eternity.
Overall Message and Significance
“I Have a Friend in Jesus” is a deeply personal and moving hymn that celebrates the intimate relationship between the believer and Christ. Each verse highlights a different facet of Jesus’ friendship: His unwavering love, His comfort in times of trouble, and the joy of abiding in Him.
The hymn reassures worshippers of Jesus’ faithfulness, even in moments of doubt and failure. It encourages believers to trust in His mercy and find strength in His presence. With its message of grace, forgiveness, and eternal hope, “I Have a Friend in Jesus” continues to inspire devotion and gratitude among worshippers.
This hymn reminds us that in Jesus, we have not only a Savior but also a faithful, compassionate, and eternal Friend.