Hymn Story  “What A Friend We Have In Jesus“

After his graduation from Trinity College, Joseph M. Scriven excitedly awaited to the day he would finally marry his lifelong partner. She was his childhood sweetheart, and all of the wedding preparations were made. But tragedy occurred the day before the wedding. Something frightened the young woman’s horse as she rode to meet him, and she was thrown into the nearby river. The impact knocked her unconscious and she drowned shortly before Joseph arrived to meet her.

Joseph was greatly distressed by the sight of his house in Ireland after this terrible loss, so he quickly departed for Ontario, Canada, where he lived out the rest of his days in Port Hope. He committed his life to helping others in the community and was well-known for not turning away those in need that could not repay him.

Eventually, he began tutoring the children of a man in town, and in the process, fell in love with the man’s niece, Eliza. The two planned on getting married in 1854, but Eliza passed away at the age of 23 from illness just before her wedding. Tragic events once more consumed Joseph Scriven’s life as the second anticipated marriage date never happened.

Throughout the struggles and loss of his life, Scriven continued to find solace in the nearness of God, whom he described as his closest friend. It is unclear as to when the lyrics he penned were put to music, as he initially sent them in a letter to his mother, intending that they be seen only by her.

His words serve as a reminder that even though life might be difficult and terrible at times, we have someone who is closer to us than any person could ever be and who supports us no matter what. He found a friend in Jesus – the one who can help, comfort and give him strength in times of trouble. 

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
– Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

Source: hymncharts