Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

John 15:13

The life of Joseph Scriven, the author of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” was full of tragedy. His first fiancée drowned the evening before their wedding, and his second fiancée died of pneumonia. Despite these and other dark days, Scriven was a selfless person by nature. He was known for sawing wood for poor widows and sick people who were unable to pay. Often, he served without wages and shared his clothes with those less fortunate than himself.

MEDITATION: I searched all over, and I could find nobody like you, Lord.

What a friend we have in Jesus,All our sins and griefs to bear!What a privilege to carryEverything to God in prayer!Oh, what peace we often forfeit,Oh, what needless pain we bear,All because we do not carryEverything 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.

In the name of Jesus, we praise You. AMEN.