The Best Friend of All

Ye are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends: for all the things I have heard of my Father, I have made known to you (John 15:14-15).

Jesus Himself calls us friends if we are His, if He holds our hearts. Think about that; let it sink in. Isn't it amazing? We are His friends, and His friends obey Him because they know and trust Him. They know He wants only the best for them and is always right and perfect in every way.

The hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," with the words written by Joseph Scriven in 1855, emphasizes this wonderful fact:

What a friend we have in Jesus, 

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not 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!

Can we find a friend so faithful, 

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness --

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

Are ye weak and heavy laden, 

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our Refuge --

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He'll take and shield thee,

Thou wilt find a solace there.

Is He your best friend?

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