Proverbs
18:24 A
man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks
closer than a brother.
A true friend loves and
accepts us just as we are, stays close to us in good or in bad, and is always
ready to help in time of need. An old hymn, What
A Friend We Have In Jesus, was written by Joseph Scriven to describe
his closest and best friend. He spent his entire life showing real friendship
to others.
Joseph had wealth,
education, a devoted family, and a pleasant life in his native Ireland. Then
unexpected tragedy entered his life. On the night before his wedding, his
fiancée drowned. In his deep sorrow, Joseph realized that he could find the
solace and support he needed only in his dearest friend, Jesus.
Soon after this tragedy,
Joseph dramatically changed his lifestyle. He left Ireland for Port Hope,
Canada, determined to devote all of his extra time in being a friend and helper
to others. He often gave away his clothing and possessions to those in need,
and he worked, without pay, for anyone who needed him. He became known as “the
Good Samaritan of Port Hope”.
When his mother became ill
in Ireland, he wrote a comforting letter to her, enclosing the words of his newly
written poem with the prayer that these lines would remind her of a
never-failing heavenly Friend. Later in his life, when he became ill, a friend
who came to call on him happened to see a copy of these words scribbled on
scratch paper near his bed. The friend read the lines and asked him who wrote
such beautiful words. Joseph replied, “The Lord and I did it together”.
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.
