"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer."

My friend bethy posted that on her wall with the query of why doesn't she remember that. As the comments came in I entered the rest of the verse. It was a hymn in keeping with what God has been showing me, again, about our relationship.
There has been so much happening to and around me, for the past 2 years, I have felt somewhat at sea. And though He and I have a wonderful, close and growing relationship, at times it is forgotten, taken for granted.

Sometimes when we are very close and comfortable with someone, we impose on the other person. Not being mean or unkind; more like forgetful of how valuable they are.
"What a friend we have in Jesus..."

It seems that as the world comes pressing in on us, we start putting up the chocks and support beams. Rushing around doing what has to be done to prevent what we see as disaster.
"...all our sins and griefs to bear..."

We try to do so much ourselves. We don't want to be a burden. Others have their problems too.
"What a privilege to carry..."

We smile and say we're doing good. 'Could you pray for/help me with this one tiny thing?'
"...everything to God in prayer!"

We toss and turn at night. There aren't enough hours in the day to take care of it all.
"O, what peace we often forfeit..."

Why don't they ask me if I need them? I'm drowning under this load!
"...o, what needless pain we bear."

My heart is hurt. No one cares like I do. When will this get better? Or will it?
"All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."


Two years of knowing in my heart that I was losing my Mother and best girlfriend, of spending weeks at a time apart form my husband to care for her and Dad. Realizing I would have to move to Daddy's place 250 miles from home to help him stay safe at home.
"Are we weak and heavy laden..."

Knowing our disabled son at home needed me. My grandchildren who live with us and I care for while their mama works to take care of them.
"... cumbered with a load of care?"

Finally. Being quiet. Hearing the voice I know.
"Precious Savior, still our refuge;..."

Relaxing. Beginning to talk. To connect.
"...take it to the Lord in prayer."

Telling Him about all the hurts. The feelings of abandonment by those who should have cared.
"Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?"

Giving it all up to Him, again. Releasing the pain and loneliness. Repenting.
"Take it to the Lord in prayer."

Being filled up. To overflowing. Being held close. Protected.
"In His arms He'll take and shield thee..."

Knowing, again, I am where I should be. Home. With my Friend. Safe.
"Thou wilt find a solace there."


Joseph Scriven's mother became ill in 1855. He was an ocean away from her and sent her this poem titled 'Pray Without Ceasing'. He had been engaged twice, losing both girls to death, the first on the eve of their wedding. He had lived a life shot through with sorrow. Yet, he found his God stronger than any woes. He lived the rest of his life unmarried and in Christian service.

"In His arms He'll take and shield thee, thou wilt find a solace there."

Shalom, secondrider