By Paul Chappell
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is
passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let
us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need."
Hebrews 4:14–16
Joe Scriven was born to a well-to-do family in Ireland in
1819. After finishing college he moved to Canada to work as a missionary
among the Iroquois Indians. He was joined by his fiancée who was also from Ireland . The
night before their wedding, she drowned in an ice accident. Joe buried her with
his own hands, and a broken heart. Later he fell in love again, only to have
his second fiancée die of pneumonia.
When his mother was on her deathbed back home in Ireland ,
Scriven wrote her a poem to encourage her through her last days. We still sing
his words today: "What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs
to bear! What a privilege to 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."
When we are going through hard times, we sometimes feel
abandoned and alone. But that is never true. Hebrews 13:5 says, "He hath
said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Even if there is no one
who seems to care, you will always have one faithful and steadfast Friend in
Jesus Christ. He has already endured every suffering and hardship we face, and
He knows how it feels to be forsaken. No matter how many other people let you
down, He will lift you up.
Today's Rooted Principle:
When you are tired or discouraged, run to the Friend who
sticks closer than any brother.
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