Can you see those two speckles flying among the trees? Those are dry leaves, not birds. And look how blue the sky is today. It’s the kind of day when outside is warmer than the inside of my old country home. I found two hours free to myself this afternoon (thanks to my daughter taking her nap) of which I decided to idle away and just admire the unusually warm late autumn day. I was appreciating the view through my balcony door when a quiet, familiar hymn started playing in my heart.

What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer

Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, 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

When I did not know Jesus, I was bearing all my sins, griefs, and needless pain. I faced trials and temptations all alone and ceaseless troubles surrounded me always. When I did not have Jesus as my friend (or as my healer is more like it), my life was in complete darkness or total chaos.

Now my heart so naturally sings songs of praises in complete peace that is out of this world. The same heart that once cried out tortured agonies and sorrowful devastation now whispers joyful songs in peace and serenity.

What a friend we have in Jesus, indeed.