The story is told of a young man who went to college in London, became a teacher, met a young woman, fell in love and planned to settle down. Two days before the wedding, his fiancé drowned. Stricken with grief, he moved to Canada, began a new life and, once again, fell in love. Mere weeks before the wedding, his bride-to-be was suddenly sickened and died shortly thereafter. He took a vow of poverty and became a woodcutter, working only for the infirm and destitute. Some years later, he received word his mother was gravely ill; but having no means to go home, he instead wrote a short verse for her. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” came from the pen of Joseph Scriven that day.

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24

Tragedies strike everyone sooner or later. What the Lord wants, even expects, is that you not wait until a tragedy comes. His desire is for you to have an abiding relationship with Him every day. Abide in my love, He says. Pray today for America’s leaders to discover anew God’s love for them, to accept that free gift of grace, and then learn what it is to be His intimate friend.

Recommended Reading: John 15:4-15