Most of us if not all have heard the song "what a friend we have in Jesus". Though the song maybe well known only a few know about its story. The song was written by Joseph Scriven after a series of unfortunate ordeals.
Joseph Scriven was born, raised and educated in Ireland in 1819. After graduating, Joseph returned home where he planned to marry his beautiful girlfriend. Joseph Scriven planned to meet his love by a river, and when he arrived, Joseph found his lover drowning in the river, where she later passed away.
A few days after the trial, Scriven moved to Canada in 1840 and fell in love with his best friend's daughter, Elizabeth, and a few days before the wedding, Elizabeth had pneumonia and died. This led Joseph Scriven to be single and devote his life to community service.
Then his beloved mother fell ill and Scriven was informed. Scriven wrote to his mother for comfort during her difficult days. This is the letter;
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!
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."
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 will find a solace there."