Alan Jackson's song "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" is a powerful reminder of the importance of turning to God in times of trial and difficulty. The lyrics speak to the comfort and peace that can be found by sharing our burdens with God through prayer. The song is based on the Christian hymn of the same name, which was written in the mid-1800s by Joseph Scriven. The hymn was written as a poem to comfort Scriven's mother, who was dealing with chronic illness and depression. Scriven himself also faced many trials in his life, including the death of his first wife and financial difficulties. The first verse of the song speaks to the idea that Jesus is our friend and that he is always there to bear our sins and griefs. It encourages listeners to make use of the privilege we have to take everything to God in prayer, rather than needlessly carrying the weight of our problems alone. The second verse acknowledges that we will all face trials and temptations in life, but that we should never be discouraged. Instead, we should turn to the Lord in prayer and find comfort in the fact that he is a faithful friend who shares in our sorrows and weaknesses. Overall, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" is a beautiful reflection on the power of prayer and the comfort that can be found in faith in times of trouble.
