August 31: What a Friend We Have in Jesus

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Key Text:
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13, KJV

Hymn: What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Words: Joseph M. Scriven
Music: Charles C. Converse

Many times we live as though we do not have a friend.

Better yet, we sometimes live as though we do not have connections or links to anyone who can help us.

In this world, people often place great value on who they know. Connections can open doors. A relationship with someone in an established office, organization or system may provide access that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.

Sometimes we hear people say, “I know someone,” and immediately there is a sense of assurance. They believe that because of that connection, someone will listen, someone will intervene, or somehow a way will be made.

But as children of God, our greatest connection is not linked to earthly or worldly power.

It is not found in a government office.

It is not dependent on an influential person.

It is not grounded in a human system.

Our greatest connection is Jesus.

And our confidence is grounded in who He is and what He has promised in His Word.

The hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” reminds us of the incredible privilege we have in being able to bring everything to God in prayer.

What a Friend we have in Jesus.

Not simply someone who knows our name.

Not simply someone who is available when things are going well.

Jesus is a Friend who knows our deepest struggles, our unspoken fears, our disappointments and our needs.

He knows the things we have never told anyone else.

And still He invites us to come.

There is assurance in knowing that when we pray, we do not have to go through another person to gain access to Jesus.

We do not have to know the right person.

We do not need a special position.

We do not need influence.

We can come directly to Him.

Hebrews 4:16 tells us, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

What an assurance.

When life becomes difficult, we have somewhere to go.

When our hearts are burdened, we have Someone to talk to.

When we do not know what to do next, we have Someone from whom we can seek wisdom.

When others cannot understand what we are carrying, Jesus understands completely.

Yet many times we carry things Jesus has invited us to give to Him.

We worry.

We replay situations in our minds.

We try to find our own solutions.

We call people, search for answers and exhaust every possible option before remembering that we have a Friend who has already invited us to come to Him.

Prayer should not simply be our last resort.

It is our connection to Jesus.

The beautiful thing about this friendship is that Jesus is not limited by the things that limit human beings.

Friends may love us deeply but still be unable to change our circumstances.

They may want to help but not have the resources.

They may listen but not have the answer.

Jesus is different.

He is not only compassionate enough to care about what concerns us, but powerful enough to work in ways we cannot see.

That does not mean He will always answer exactly as we expect. Friendship with Jesus is not a guarantee that life will always be easy.

It is the assurance that whatever we face, we never face it alone.

Jesus is present.

Jesus hears.

Jesus cares.

Jesus understands.

And Jesus invites us to bring everything to Him.

Perhaps today you are worried because you do not have the connections you think you need.

Perhaps there is no influential person you can call.

Perhaps every human avenue seems closed.

Remember your greatest connection.

Jesus.

You have a Friend who has promised to hear you.

You have a Friend who has invited you to come boldly.

You have a Friend who knows what you need before you even ask.

And when earthly connections fail, Jesus remains.

What a Friend we have in Jesus.

What an assurance to know that we can carry everything to God in prayer.

Reflection Questions

Do I sometimes depend more on human connections than on my connection with Jesus?

What burden am I carrying today that Jesus has invited me to bring to Him in prayer?

Do I truly live with the assurance that Jesus hears, understands and cares about what concerns me?

Statement

My greatest connection is Jesus. I do not have to depend solely on earthly influence or human systems. I have a Friend who hears me, cares for me and invites me to bring everything to Him in prayer.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for being my faithful Friend. Help me to bring every burden, fear and need to You. Remind me that I am never without help because I always have access to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Copyright Notice

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), unless otherwise indicated. Brief hymn excerpts are included for devotional reflection. All hymn copyrights remain the property of their respective authors, composers and publishers.