HYMN OF THE MONTH:
WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS
by Joseph Scriven, 1855
THE WONDROUS STORY: 2024 JOURNEY THROUGH FAVORITE HYMNS
Truth #3: Mankind sinned and we need a Savior.
Casting and Bearing
The hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" was not initially intended for publication. Irishman Joseph Scriven wrote it as a poem in 1855 and sent it to his mother who was miles away and dealing with a serious illness.
The poem grew in popularity among Scriven’s friends and acquaintances until it eventually made its way into a hymnal.
Joseph Scriven wrote the hymn from his heart, having leaned on His Friend Jesus through the grief of losing not one, but two fiancées.
His first fiancé accidentally drowned the night before their wedding day. And his second fiancé died of pneumonia before they were able to marry.
As you read through the hymn, look for the the themes of us casting our burdens on Jesus and of Jesus bearing our burdens.
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Our latest Hymn Study Package will help you and your family reflect through each stanza of our hymn and connect it more firmly in biblical truth.
Hymn Outline
Jesus Is Our:
Our Burden-Bearing Friend (Stanza One)
Our Sorrow-Sharing Friend (Stanza Two)
Our Refuge-Giving Friend (Stanza Three)
Read & Relate
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
by Joseph Scriven, 1855
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!
John 15:15; 1 Peter 2:24; Isa 53:4; Heb 4:16; Phil 4:6-7
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!
James 1:2-3; John 16:33; Matt 26:41; Rom 12:12; Heb 4:15
Are we weak and heavy laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge--
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms he'll take and shield you;
You will find a solace there.
Matt 11:28-30; 1 Peter 5:7; Ps 55:22; James 5:13; Isa 40:11
Go Deeper
Discover God's Plan for Hymns
When was the last time a hymn entered your mind, causing you to remember and apply the powerful truths of Scripture?
That was Colossians 3:16 in action and is just one small example of the ways God uses hymnody in the spiritual lives of His people.
Surprisingly, there aren't a lot of resources designed to help you be intentional in hymn study.
Enter Hymns Illustrated. Whether you buy a stand-alone hymn study pack to aid you in your family worship time, personal devotional time or in a homeschool setting or better yet, become a member, you can be sure of one thing:
Hymns Make Scripture Sticky.
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