It is incredible how an old song rushes memories into your heart. Yesterday as we sang, “What A Friend We Have in Jesus,” memories of singing in the youth choir…memories of my childhood buddies…sweet memories. Many of my old buddies have faded away but the few…oh how they linger in that special place. These were the special ones I grew to trust & depend on. These were the ones that knew me warts & all. These were the ones who told me what I did not want to hear because they cared & loved me. They were “No-Matter-What” Friends.

Friends are rare. We have acquaintances we call friends, but the friend I am speaking about is the one that you can call at 3a.m. and they come over without asking why.

Think about it. Jesus calls us His Friend, not acquaintance. Let these verses sink deep into your heart. Maybe you have never been Blessed by this type of friend…well get ready! Jesus is the True Friend that will never let you down.

• John 15:15, “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.”
• John 15:14, “You are my friends if you do what I command.”
• John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is a Christian hymn originally written by preacher Joseph M. Scriven as a poem in 1855 to comfort his mother, who was living in Ireland while he was in Canada.” (Google)

What a Friend we have in Jesus, * All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry * Everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit, * O 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 wilt find a solace there.

Jesus deeply desires to be your friend. Isn’t it time you ask Him?