Merle Haggard - What a Friend We Have In Jesus Lyrics
Lyrics
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and grieves to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
Oh what peace we often forfeit
Of what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Have we trials and temptation
Is there trouble anywhere
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Oh what peace we often forfeit
Of what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrow share
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Video
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Meaning & Inspiration
Merle Haggard’s rendition of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," released on January 1, 1981, as the title track of his album *What a Friend We Have in Jesus*, stands as a powerful testament to a timeless message of faith and reliance. This classic hymn, penned by Joseph Scriven in 1855, has long been a source of comfort for countless individuals, and Haggard’s choice to include it in his esteemed repertoire speaks volumes about its enduring spiritual resonance, even from an artist known for his hard-hitting country narratives. He brings to this sacred text an authenticity born from a life lived, delivering its profound truths with a straightforward honesty that bypasses superficial sentimentality and goes straight to the core of human need.
The core narrative of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" is remarkably simple yet deeply transformative: Jesus is presented not merely as a distant deity, but as an intimate, trustworthy friend who is willing and able to bear the entirety of our burdens. The opening lines immediately establish this radical idea, reminding us of the immense privilege it is to bring "everything to God in prayer." This isn't just an abstract theological concept; it's a practical, accessible invitation to unload every worry, every sin, and every sorrow onto a loving companion. The song then immediately highlights the tragic irony of human experience, noting "what peace we often forfeit, of what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer." This serves as a gentle but firm wake-up call, urging us to recognize the self-inflicted suffering that results from our reluctance or refusal to engage in honest communion with our Creator. The Bible echoes this sentiment in Philippians 4:6-7, encouraging us to "not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God," promising that "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Furthermore, 1 Peter 5:7 directly instructs us to "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you," reinforcing the central theme of trusting God with our burdens.
As the song progresses, it directly addresses the universal experience of adversity, asking, "Have we trials and temptation, is there trouble anywhere?" Here, the hymn acknowledges the inescapable reality of suffering and challenge in life. Instead of offering simplistic platitudes, it provides a direct, actionable solution: "We should never be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer." This isn't a call to ignore problems, but to engage them with spiritual resolve, finding strength in divine companionship. This perspective aligns perfectly with scriptural teaching found in James 1:2-4, which tells us to "consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." The repeated refrain about forfeited peace and needless pain powerfully underscores the song's central argument: much of our anguish is self-imposed, a consequence of carrying loads that we are explicitly invited to lay down. Haggard’s delivery here, devoid of theatrics, makes the argument feel like a sage piece of advice from someone who understands the weight of a troubled spirit.
The final verse cements the unique fidelity of this divine friendship, posing a rhetorical question: "Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrow share?" The answer, implicitly and explicitly, is a resounding no. Jesus is presented as the unparalleled friend, distinguished by His unwavering faithfulness and His profound empathy. The assertion that "Jesus knows our every weakness" is incredibly comforting, suggesting that we don't need to feign strength or hide our vulnerabilities from Him. He understands our limitations, our struggles, and our deepest fears. This truth resonates deeply with Hebrews 4:15-16, which states, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet without sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." The song concludes with the same liberating directive it began with: "Take it to the Lord in prayer." This cyclical structure reinforces the perpetual invitation and necessity of prayer in a believer's life, not as a last resort, but as the primary, immediate response to any circumstance. Merle Haggard's rendition, delivered with a voice that had witnessed its share of life's complexities, imbues this classic hymn with a raw, accessible sincerity, reminding us all of the profound, simple truth at its heart: in Jesus, we possess a friend who is always near, always willing, and always able to bear our burdens, offering peace in exchange for our pain.