First,
what kinds of things would not be helpful to say for someone close to
hitting rock-bottom? Hurtful things would include: you're all alone
in this world – nobody cares for you or loves you – you have no
purpose in life and never will, just vegetate in boredom and pain and
wait to die. Almost equally as useless (perhaps even worse) is to
validate the sufferer's sense of loneliness and pain by being
singularly cheerful and unrealistically optimistic: just put on a
happy face and all will be rosy and well. I know a man presently
within an assisted living facility. He is totally blind. The staff of
the facility is uncaring and only marginally helpful. The prospects
are that he will be in the situation until he dies with day after day
of dullness, boredom, and pain. If asked what I can say or suggest to
encourage this person, only one helpful thing in the end seems
possible. Only one thing seems not Pollyannaish. I would remind him
that our Savior underwent great suffering. And that he loves us
deeply. And that he can help us bear suffering and find purpose
wherever we are. I would remind him of the words of the song that
inspired my mother during times of hardship, and which I keep in
reserve in case of need; for surely none of us knows how bleak the
future can become for us – everyone is vulnerable to outrageous
fortune. No one can say for certain that the experiences of Job may
not come to resemble their own. The hymn realistically sensitive to
the plight of the suffering is “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
“What
a Friend We Have in Jesus”
Text:
Joseph M. Scriven, 1820-1886
Music:
Charles C. Converse, 1832-1918
1. What
a friend we have in Jesus,
all
our sins and griefs to bear!
What
a privilege to carry
everything
to God in prayer!
O
what peace we often forfeit,
O
what needless pain we bear,
all
because we do not carry
everything
to God in prayer.
2. 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.
3. 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
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.
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