Dear Zion Church family and friends,
Each January, like many of you, I spend some time reviewing the past year and thanking God for the blessings. I also spend time considering my shortcomings and regrets. If you are inclined to do the same, I want to commend to you the words of the beautiful hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus.
What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
ev'rything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit;
oh, what needless pain we bear--
all because we do not carry
ev'rything 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 ev'ry weakness--
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge--
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In his arms he'll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.
Text: Joseph Scriven,1820-1886