Hymn Spotlight: What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Today we look at the poignant story behind the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." Written in 1855 by Joseph Scriven, the hymn is sung and treasured by many to this day. It speaks of the comfort found in Jesus as a compassionate Friend in times of sorrow and encourages believers to bring their burdens to Him in prayer. The hymn is widely recognized today, but the story behind its creation is not as commonly known.

Joseph Medlicott Scriven was born in 1819 in Northern Seapatrick, Ireland, to a wealthy, religious family. After attending Trinity College in Dublin, Joseph's life took a tragic turn. The evening before his wedding, his fiancée was thrown off of her horse into the River Bann, to her death. Devastated by the loss, Scriven left Ireland and traveled to Canada in 1845, taking up residence in Port Hope, Ontario.

From that point on, Scriven lived a life dedicated to service to God and man. When he was 25, he took on poverty, sold all of his belongings to help those in need, and preached and taught school to the community. A decade after losing his first fiancée, Scriven met and fell in love with Eliza Catherine Roach, naval officer Robert Lamport Pengelly’s niece. But tragedy struck again when Eliza died from pneumonia in 1860, once again shortly before their wedding. Even amidst this great sorrow, Scriven’s faith remained steadfast.

In 1855, Scriven wrote a poem that he called “What is this Friendship for Which We Long?” to console his languishing mother in Ireland. It never crossed his mind to present it to the public. However, a man named Charles Converse put it to music, and it was eventually published in 1865 as “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, a beloved hymn to this day.

Joseph Scriven died in 1886. His life and legacy are defined by selflessness, imperishable faith and resilience amidst unthinkable circumstances. He is nicknamed by many “The Good Samaritan of Port Hope.” and was known as “the man who saws wood for poor widows and sick people who are unable to pay." His hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” continues to touch millions with its message of divine friendship and God’s comfort in tribulation.


What a Friend We Have in Jesus 

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 (in his arms)
In His arms He'll take and shield thee
Thou will find a solace there

O what a friend we have in Jesus (sing it out, Jesus)
O, Jesus
O what a friend we have in Jesus (thank you Lord)
O, Jesus
O what a friend we have in Jesus
O, Jesus
O what a friend we have in Jesus
O, Jesus
O what a friend we have in Jesus