Introduction
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” a hymn that transcends denominations and cultural boundaries, finds a powerful voice in country music superstar Alan Jackson’s rendition. But the song’s origins stretch far beyond the twang of a steel guitar.
Composed in 1851 by American Baptist minister Joseph Scriven, the hymn emerged from a life marked by hardship. Scriven, a gifted poet, lost his entire family at sea and faced personal struggles. Despite his challenges, Scriven found solace in his faith and penned the lyrics as a poem to uplift a friend facing their own trials.
The poem quickly gained popularity, set to music by Charles C. Converse in 1865. Its simple yet profound message of friendship, comfort, and unwavering faith in Jesus resonated with congregations across the United States.
Alan Jackson’s version, included on his 2006 album “Standing on the Promises,” brought the hymn to a new generation. Jackson’s warm vocals and the song’s traditional country arrangement create a comforting and familiar atmosphere.
Whether sung in a grand cathedral or a small country church, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” endures as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the strength found in friendship with the divine. So, when you hear the opening chords of Alan Jackson’s rendition, prepare to be enveloped by a message of hope and solace that has touched hearts for over a century.