O What Peace We Often Forfeit

The road where I grew up. Taken after a hard rain.

This has been a mixed season for me.  Full of countless blessings, and soft pain.  The picture above is the echo of my heart.  Even though it has been (and continues to be) a hard rain- it is still beautiful. 

I'm finding myself sensitive to so many things around me- everything means more these days. Every word is meaningful, and every song is felt in my depths.

This song came to my mind, seemingly from no where, but obviously from the Lord...

It is the song of my heart these days.

"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.

Have we trials or 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.

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."

What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Words: Joseph M. Scriven, ca. 1855
Music: Charles C. Converse, 1868