We sang this wonderful hymn at church yesterday, and I knew I wanted it to be my poem of the week. It beautifully makes the point that the all holy Jesus graciously decided to be a friend for sinners, to love us and redeem us. Then it points out in helpful particularity various ways in which he is our refuge and hope.
It was good for my soul to sing this once more, and I hope it is helpful to you.
Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.Refrain
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my victory wins.Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows over me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night overtakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry.Jesus! I do now receive Him,
More than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.– J. Wilbur Chapman, 1910.