“What A Friend We Have In Jesus” stands as one of the most beloved and enduring hymns in Christian tradition. Its comforting words and simple melody have resonated with generations, offering solace and hope in times of trouble. But behind this cherished hymn lies a poignant story of faith, loss, and unwavering devotion. This article delves into the origins of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” exploring the life of its author, Joseph M. Scriven, and the circumstances that inspired this timeless expression of faith.
Joseph M. Scriven, born in Ireland in 1819, experienced profound personal tragedies that shaped his life and ultimately led to the creation of this iconic hymn. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin, he initially aspired to a military career. However, ill health forced him to abandon this ambition. A deeper personal blow struck when his fiancée tragically drowned on the eve of their wedding in 1844. Seeking a fresh start, Scriven immigrated to Canada later that year.
Life in Canada did not shield Scriven from further sorrow. While teaching school, he found love again, but fate intervened once more. His new bride-to-be succumbed to a sudden illness in 1855, just before their wedding. These repeated heartbreaks deeply impacted Scriven, yet they also seemed to strengthen his reliance on his faith. He became known for his selfless service to the underprivileged and physically disabled, embodying the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount through acts of charity and compassion. Despite his devotion and service, Scriven faced hardship, often living in poverty and misunderstood by some in his community who viewed his lifestyle and beliefs with suspicion. He also battled depression throughout his life, adding another layer of complexity to his already challenging existence. Tragically, Scriven’s life ended in 1886 through drowning in Rice Lake. The circumstances remain unclear, leaving open the question of whether it was an accident or a despairing act.
Amidst these trials, Scriven penned “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” in 1855. The hymn was written to comfort his mother, who was ill and residing back in Dublin, Ireland. It is believed that the hymn was composed shortly after the death of his second fiancée, suggesting a deeply personal context of grief and solace-seeking in his faith. When a neighbor inquired about the hymn’s creation, Scriven humbly replied, “The Lord and I did it between us,” highlighting his belief in divine collaboration in his work.
Initially published anonymously in Horace Hastings’s Social Hymns, Original and Selected (1865), the hymn gained wider recognition when Scriven was properly credited in Hastings’s Songs of Pilgrimage (1886). Its enduring popularity was further cemented by Ira D. Sankey, who included the text in his widely circulated hymnals from 1875 onwards, set to the now-familiar tune composed by Charles C. Converse.
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is not celebrated for its complex poetic structure but for its raw emotional honesty and simple yet profound message. The repeated refrain, “take it to the Lord in prayer,” encapsulates the hymn’s central theme: the unwavering availability of Jesus as a confidant and source of strength in all of life’s circumstances. The hymn speaks directly to the human experience of “sins and griefs,” offering a pathway to find peace and comfort through prayer and faith. Its straightforward encouragement to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) resonates deeply within Christian communities across denominations, making it a staple in worship services and personal devotion alike. Scriven’s legacy extends beyond this single hymn, with a collection of his poems published in Hymns and Other Verses (1869), but it is “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” that continues to touch hearts and offer a message of hope and solace to those who seek refuge in faith.
In conclusion, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is more than just a hymn; it is a testament to the power of faith in the face of adversity. Born from personal tragedy and deep reliance on prayer, Scriven’s words offer a timeless reminder of the constant companionship and comfort available through Jesus Christ. This hymn continues to serve as a powerful encouragement to believers to turn to prayer amidst life’s joys and sorrows, finding in Jesus a friend who truly understands and cares.
