by Sherelyn Mayberry
Synopsis: The Irish poet, Joseph Medicott Scriven (1819-1886), who experienced considerable heartache and loss, composed these words to comfort his mother when she was gravely ill.
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” (PHSS #565, 566), describes Jesus as our friend, One who was willing to bear our sin and grief. A faithful friend is one on whom we can rely. By laying down His life, Jesus evidenced His great love for His friends (John 15:13). We should never take His love for granted but count it a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.
In John 15:14, Jesus says, “You are My friends if you do what I command you.” The problem is that we all sin, and thus forfeit peace as we feel guilty in our hearts. Christ bore our sin and interceded for us—transgressors—through His death (Isa. 53:11-12). As we die to sin and live to righteousness, by His wounds, we are healed (1 Pet. 2:24). Needing a friend like Jesus on whom we can depend, we should pray to Him in genuine repentance to thus find forgiveness. Like Israel, we find forgiveness as we turn away from sin and incline our hearts to God (Josh. 24:19-24). As others pray for us, we find that “the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (Jas. 5:15). In placing our burden upon His shoulders, Christ delivers us from its weight. We no longer carry its guilt and pain.
Trials and temptations come into every life. We must persevere under trial so that we will receive the crown of life (Jas. 1:12). Discouragement may overtake us as we labor and toil, struggle with temptation, stumble and fall. What will we do? In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus says, “Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matt. 6:13). He acknowledges our fleshly weakness. God promises that He will not allow us to face greater temptation than we can bear but will provide a way of escape. Availing ourselves of it, we will be able to endure (1 Cor. 10:13). How comforting! If you are tempted by greed, a lack of contentment, or any other sin, flee these things and pursue righteousness (1 Tim. 6:9-11). “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation” (2 Pet. 2:9).
When we are heavy-laden and loaded down with care, we can turn to our friend, Jesus. He reminds us to “not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt. 6:34). When anxieties increase, the Lord is a consolation to delight my soul—He holds me and becomes my stronghold, the rock of my refuge (Ps. 94:16-22). If your friends turn against you and revile you, take courage and fear not. They do not understand why you no longer run with them into sin (1 Pet. 4:3-4). Take it to the Lord in prayer. Not only will God deal justly with them, but He will also ultimately save you. He strengthens, helps, and upholds you (Isa. 35:4; 41:10). “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).
“Take it to the Lord in prayer.” Like David in Psalm 17, we can implore the Lord to hear our cry. During our testing, we can ask God to answer our petitions. Seeking refuge in the shadow of His wings, we are hidden from the wicked. He will confront the evil one and deliver our souls. When we are in the depths of discouragement, the Lord says, “Do not fear!” Let us, therefore, draw near to God. His compassion will never fail, and we can be refreshed every morning with the thought, “Great is Your faithfulness” (Lam. 3:19-27, 54-58). The ears of the Lord attend toward the prayers of the righteous, so if we suffer for the sake of righteousness, we will be blessed (1 Pet. 3:12-14). God will relieve us in our distress and be gracious to us. We can lie down and sleep at night in peace for the Lord makes us dwell in safety. We thus find solace in His arms (Ps. 4:1, 8).
Author Bio: Sherelyn is the wife of Mark Mayberry, who labors with the Adoue Street congregation in Alvin, TX as an evangelist and elder. She can be reached at at sherelynmayberry@live.com.
