Joseph Scriven was born on September 10, 1819 in Ireland. He was raised in a loving, Christian home and he was able to attain a good education. He later graduated from Trinity College in Dublin.
His life in Ireland came to a close when the young woman whom he loved and would marry, fell off her horse and drowned. In his sorrow, he began to travel, eventually ending up in Port Hope, Canada. There, he fell in love again and they planned to marry one another. However, tragically, she died of pneumonia before they were married.
Scriven penned this beautiful and timeless hymn in Canada when he was ill, to bring some spiritual comfort to his mother who lived back in Ireland. He published it anonymously, receiving full credit for it in the 1880s. The tune to his hymn was composed by Charles Converse.
The lyrics to this hymn are below:
Stanza 1:
“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit; oh, what needless pain we bear – all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!”
Stanza 2:
“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.
Stanza 3:
“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 thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer. In His arms He’ll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there.”
We often do not pray often enough to our Lord and Savior. He wants us to bring to Him all of our troubles, all of our griefs, all of our temptations, and all of our thanksgiving. Only in prayer can we transfer our sorrows onto Christ. And only in prayer can God provide us with His comfort and peace.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV)
We ought to remember that when we feel the burdens of this life bearing down upon us, God established the Sabbath Day for us to rest. After six days of creating everything, God rested – not because He needed to – but because He gave it to us as an example.
When Jesus Christ stepped down from heaven to become one of us – and to dwell with us – He also became our Sabbath rest. In His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead, He takes our burdens of sin from the devil, the world around us, and our own flesh. And He gives us His righteousness and clothes us in His comfort and peace that surpasses all our understanding.
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV)
Soli Deo Gloria!
Philip Frank
Please “like” and “share” this post. If you haven’t already, you should “like” and “follow” our church’s Facebook page at: facebook.com/redeemeralpinetx for more. You can also subscribe to my devotion blog at: redeemeralpinetx.com/devotions. You can also search for past devotions on that blog page.
Komentarze