WHAT A FRIEND!

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 will find a solace there.

--Joseph Scriven/Charles C. Converse

Friends are a priceless gift. A friend who will share your joys but will also walk through the valleys with you is a rare jewel. If you have such a friend, treat them well, for they are few and far between. Many friends are there for the good times and will even be near a while in the difficult times. But often, if the trial lingers, friends get weary. Some may even develop 'prayer fatigue'....tiring of your endless requests for prayer in regard to the thing which is besetting you. One who will continue to hold you up, care for you, weep with you, pray for you when the weeks roll into months and the months become years....now that is a TRUE and treasured friend! There are few of those around, so if you have one, thank God for her.

However, if you do not have a friend like that, just know that you DO have such a friend in Jesus. He is always there. He is never too busy. He never tires of our pleas. He never avoids us. He never gets weary of our calling. He is always available, always cares and says to us, "Come unto me all ye that are heavy laden and I will give you rest." He IS our very best Friend!