By Roger Holl

So many have heard the old hymn, “What a Friend we have in Jesus.” It was written in 1855 by a preacher in Canada, Joseph M. Scriven. He wrote it as a poem to comfort his mother, who lived in Ireland.

One of the verses reads:

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.

Today, young and old will tell you they see their relationships changing with time. Our friends may not be our friends after a period of time. Most people have many acquaintances, but very few true close or loyal friends.

Another song many learned as children is: “Jesus loves me this I Know, for the Bible tells me so.” And yes, the Bible does tell us that Jesus loves us. John 15:9.

Three years ago, I went through cancer. During the most difficult night in the hospital, it was unknown whether or not I would see the morning. But Jesus was there. No, I did not visually see Him, but I felt His love and peace enveloping me, comforting me and carrying me through. I was fortunate to later be cancer-free, but I will never forget the steadfast love of my friend Jesus Christ during that illness.

Can Jesus really be your friend? Jesus said so Himself. “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15.

Have you ever had a friend let you down or move away or stop communicating? When we abide in Jesus, Jesus continues to abide in us. Jesus said that in John 15:4: “Abide in Me and I in you”.

You see, Jesus loves you like no one else can. When we love God, we are in a solid covenant relationship. We love God and God has covenanted to love us permanently. Our personal relationship with Christ is important. It is the foundation of every other relationship we have.

Jesus is always seeking the very best for you. When we believe and are faithful and obedient to God, Jesus tells us to ask and we will receive. “And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 21:22.

Believers are children of God. Christ died for our salvation and for our eternal life. When we are having problems in the home, in the office or financial troubles, remember, Jesus is steadfast in His love and care of you. Jesus wants the very best you.

In Isaiah 54:10 we read about the steadfast love and care of the Lord for you.

“Though the mountains be shaken

And the hills be removed,

Yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken

Nor my covenant of peace be removed,”

Says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Dr. Roger Holl is the pastor of Sterling Grace Community Church. The church meets at the Sterling Senior Center at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. All age groups are warmly welcome.