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Hymn of the Month for February | What a friend we have in Jesus

Growing up, I played a lot of sports. To me, more deflating than losing a game was having to forfeit a game due to not having enough players.  Having to surrender/give up with no chance to play, no opportunity to win because we didn’t meet the requirement.  And yet, here I am, often forfeiting peace when the only requirement is surrendering my cares to God.  In the first verse of What a Friend We Have in Jesus, there’s this line,

Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear.  All because we do not carry, Everything to God in prayer.  

Spurgeon described God’s faithfulness by saying “He has been a certain friend in uncertain circumstances”.  Certainty in the midst of uncertainty; stability in the midst of instability.  Don’t forfeit the peace, don’t bear the care.  He is our peace (Eph. 2:14).  Rest assured.  "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).

Each month this year, we’re diving into the lyrical depth of some great hymns.  The themes of the 12 hymns are: Peace, not Instability (January-June), Grace, not Self (July-December).  For February (and starting this Sunday) we will be focusing on What a Friend We Have in Jesus. 

Eyes Upward, Heart Outward, Feet Forward,

Joe

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