Tell Out My Soul

This is the title of a hymn that was written in 1855 by a man named Joseph Scriven. It’s said that he wrote it in order to comfort his mother who remained in Ireland while he was far away in Canada. She must have been worried terribly about him. Worry and anxiety is something that appears to be the plague of the 21st century, so many people I know and care about are on medication for this problem. No one is immune. I confided to some friends that I was going through a period of intense concern over an issue and one of my friends, quite earnestly, said, “How can you worry? I thought that you prayed. Don’t you give your concerns worries to God to bear?” Well, I answered my friend that, yes I do pray, quite a bit. And while her questions, I must admit, annoyed me at first, I realised that she was absolutely right. I realised that I was more annoyed with myself. My friend reminded me that God was there for me, to bear my troubles with me. Sometimes it is easy to feel alone when one is assailed by problems. And then I was also reminded of Joseph Scriven’s wonderful hymn and the truth behind it, and of course, the comfort that it provides. When confronted with worries and cares that seem unbearable, take it to the Lord in prayer. Here are the lyrics…

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 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