“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” stands as one of the most cherished and recognized hymns in Christian tradition. Its simple yet profound lyrics offer solace, comfort, and a powerful reminder of the constant companionship of Jesus Christ. But beyond its familiar melody and comforting words, lies a rich history and a deeply personal story of faith and resilience. Let’s delve into the lyrics of this timeless hymn, exploring its origins, meaning, and enduring appeal.
The Story Behind the Hymn: Joseph M. Scriven’s Life of Faith
To truly appreciate the depth of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” it’s essential to understand the life of its author, Joseph M. Scriven. Born in Ireland in 1819, Scriven faced a series of profound personal tragedies that shaped his faith and inspired his most famous work. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin, he initially aimed for a military career but was forced to abandon this ambition due to poor health. A deeper personal blow came with the sudden drowning of his fiancée just before their wedding in 1844.
Seeking a fresh start, Scriven emigrated to Canada later that year. He dedicated his life to serving others, living out his faith through acts of charity and humility. He faced further heartbreak when his second fiancée died after a brief illness in 1855. Despite these repeated losses and periods of hardship, Scriven’s faith remained steadfast. He became known for his selfless service to the poor and disabled, embodying the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. His life was marked by simplicity, generosity, and a deep reliance on his faith, even amidst personal struggles and societal misunderstanding.
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”: A Hymn Born from Personal Grief
It is believed that Scriven penned “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” in 1855 to comfort his mother who was ill in Ireland. This was likely written shortly after the loss of his second fiancée, making the hymn deeply personal and reflective of his own journey through grief and faith. When a neighbor inquired about his hymn writing, Scriven humbly attributed it to divine collaboration, saying, “The Lord and I did it between us.”
The hymn was initially published anonymously in Horace Hastings’s Social Hymns, Original and Selected in 1865. Later, in 1886, Hastings acknowledged Scriven as the author in Songs of Pilgrimage. The hymn gained wider recognition when Ira D. Sankey, a prominent gospel singer and composer, included it in his popular hymnals from 1875 onwards, set to the tune composed by Charles C. Converse.
Analyzing the Lyrics: A Message of Prayer and Comfort
The lyrics of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” resonate deeply with believers because they articulate universal human experiences of sorrow, pain, and the need for solace. The hymn emphasizes the accessibility of Jesus as a confidant and comforter in all circumstances. The repeated refrain, “take it to the Lord in prayer,” serves as a simple yet powerful call to action, encouraging believers to turn to prayer as a primary response to life’s challenges.
The hymn’s verses cover a range of human experiences:
- Verse 1 highlights the burdens of “sins and griefs” and encourages bringing all our troubles to Jesus in prayer. (Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”)
- Verse 2 addresses times of temptation and trials, reminding us that Jesus understands our weaknesses and offers refuge. (Scripture Reference: Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”)
- Verse 3 speaks to times of weakness, care, and heaviness, offering the invitation from Matthew 11:28 (“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”) and reiterates the power of prayer to find relief. (Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:28-30).
The hymn’s simple language and direct message have contributed to its widespread appeal across denominations and cultures. It offers a straightforward path to finding peace and strength through faith, regardless of theological complexity or elaborate religious practices.
Enduring Legacy and Liturgical Use
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is not celebrated for its poetic complexity, but for its profound spiritual impact and its accessibility to people from all walks of life. Its message of constant prayer and reliance on Jesus as a friend in times of need has resonated with generations of Christians. It is frequently used in church services as a hymn of encouragement, particularly during times of difficulty or personal reflection. The hymn’s enduring popularity speaks to the universal human need for comfort, understanding, and a sense of connection with the divine, all of which “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” beautifully provides. Scriven’s legacy lives on through this hymn, a testament to his faith and a source of comfort for countless individuals seeking solace in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
