Psalm 8:9

⁹ Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!    

A poem for his mother has become a Classic Hymn. This classic hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” had been heard in traditional church services or during funeral services. H.L. Hastings published it in 1865, and gave full credit to Joseph Medlicott Scriven. Joseph was scheduled to marry his childhood sweetheart in 1844. However, on the eve of their wedding, his fiancée died tragically. Devastated that his dream never realized, he left his home in Ireland, settled in Canada and dedicated his life to serving God. He was 25 years old.

Approximately ten years after the tragic death of his fiancée’s, he was in love with Eliza Roach and planned to marry her. Once again, Joseph faced a horrible loss; Eliza became ill and never regained her health, and the two were never married. She died in 1860 at the age of 23. Though heartbroken, Joseph continued to be a faithful servant of God throughout his entire life. His incredible faith was recorded in his poem for his mother who was very sick. His poem, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” became one of the most beloved hymns of all time. Here are four lines from the hymn: “What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!”

Someone concluded that Joseph faced tremendous sadness in life, but he lived his life as a humble servant of God. The Lord Jesus Christ declared in John 15:14-16, ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command. ¹⁵ I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

Lord Jesus, help us we continue to find friendship in you.

Lord Jesus, help us we continue to find friendship in you.

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