JUST THINKING: What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Sunday evening Karen and I attended a wonderful 5^th Sunday Singing at Archview Baptist Church where our son, Cory Mitchell, is pastor. I was just thinking about how encouraging the songs were — both old and new. I pondered songs that have especially ministered to me during my life’s journey. One that came to mind was the hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

• He’s a Friend to the Hopeless — We live in an age when, at every turn, people are on the brink of hopelessness. They have no smiles, they experience no laughter, and they spend much time thinking that life is misery. Such are not bad people. They are people facing bad situations that overwhelm. They feel alone.

• He’s a Friend to the Fearful — Everywhere today there is bad news. Television, radio and print media report daily of devastating weather disasters, horrible pandemics, school shootings and economic decline. As a result, many are fearful. They dread tomorrow. Despair sets in. They tremble at the thought of sending their children to school. They hide their faces in their hands at the report of higher prices. They lock themselves in for fear of assault or robbery. They feel alone.

• He’s a Friend to Frustrated — A question posed for centuries is “What is the meaning of life?” To these sorts of people I have just mentioned, the meaning of life is not at all good. There seemingly is nothing to live for; nothing to look forward to. They are frustrated with family, work, politics and religion. They find no answers, no assurance and no comfort. They feel alone.

Jesus is the Answer for the World Today

As simple as it may sound, there is hope for the hopeless, courage for the fearful, and assurance for the frustrated. Jesus is the answer to our issues in life. Here is the biblical admonition for anyone who feels helpless and alone: “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7 NIV).

To the wanderer, He is the Great Shepherd. To those in darkness, He is the Light of the World. To the tormented, He is the Prince of Peace. To the lost, He is the Way. To the hungry, He is the Bread of Life. To the doubting, He is the Anchor for the soul. To the lonely, He is the Friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Christ is the answer to our every need. That song I had pondered that was the catalyst for this column is really true: “What a Friend we have in Jesus. All our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God is 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.”