What a friend

The beginning of a much-loved hymn. Such a familiar line.
 
Jesus of course is the Friend. And I’ve been thinking a lot just lately about the theme behind the hymn - our relationship with Him through prayer.
 
Is Christianity real? Is there really a relationship to be had with God himself?

Is there even a God out there at all, somewhere?

If so, why would He be interested in us, and why would He make himself known?

If He exists, wouldn’t He be too remote and unknowable, too busy, too powerful, too holy and untouchable in a temple somewhere out in the heavenlies?
 
Maybe it would be presumptuous of us to even reach for or assume a relationship with such a mighty one. Should we just be formal, keep a respectful distance?

Fortunately, the answer to all the above is that God does exist and we can have a relationship with Him. In fact we perish without it. And, amazingly, He has given His all just to be with us!
 
God so loved the world that He gave his only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life (John3:16)

This is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1John 4:10)
 
At our Women’s Breakfast a couple of weeks ago, Eils, our Associate Vicar, shared with us about ‘Finding God's Rest’. I remember a picture she used of two oxen, yolked closely, successfully ploughing the field together.

In that context, Jesus said, “ Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” ( Matthew 11:28–29).

The hymn from our title says:

“What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear,
What a privilege to carry everything to Him in Prayer.
Oh what peace we often forfeit-
Oh what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to him in Prayer.”

Rev 3:20 - 21 says “ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame, and sat down with my father on his throne.”

Letting Him in. That’s a relationship and it’s how we grow, and what a promise of reward it is when we overcome. The scriptures are full of encouragements to help keep letting him in despite a variety of situations we might be going through, for example:

When we are Seeking Him for help in time of trouble, read Psalms 46:1, 9:9, 59:16

When we need wisdom because we are confused read James1;5

For comfort when sorrowing, read Isaiah 51 :12, 49:13, Psalm 119:76

For strength when we are weary, read Isaiah 40:28-31

He has promised always to be with us right till the end of the age, read Matthew 28:20

He even hears us before we call, read Isaiah 65:24

He will direct our paths, read Proverbs 3:5-6

And because He loves us, He will also rebuke and discipline us when it’s needed (Revelation 3:19) I speak to myself here, it  can be hard to stay listening!

I encourage you to talk with him as a friend, open the door and let Him in - that’s the wonderful relationship we can have through prayer. I'll leave you with the closing lines from the song:

“ 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.”

What a Friend …..