"I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD." - Psalm 104:33-34 KJV

Many of our finest gospel hymns have been born out of some tragic experience or event. "My Redeemer," though expressing a joyful note of praise, was found in the wreckage of a train accident which had just claimed the life of its author, P. P. Bliss, a noted contributor to early gospel music.

At the age of thirty-eight and at the very height of his fruitful musical ministry, Philip Paul Bliss's life ended suddenly in tragedy.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" -Psalm 46:1

This beloved gospel hymn text's author, Horatio Gates Spafford, had known peaceful and happy days as a successful young attorney in Chicago, Illinois. He was the father of four lovely daughters, a deeply spiritual and devoted student of the Scriptures, and a loyal supporter and friend of D. L. Moody and many of the other evangelical leaders of his day. Then he experienced a series of calamities, beginning with the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which wiped out much of the family's real estate investments.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." -Matthew 10:19-31

"How can I be discouraged when my heavenly Father watches over each little sparrow, and I know He loves and cares for me?"

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” -Philippians 4:6

Perhaps no other hymn has ministered so much comfort and consolation as this simple but meaningful message of hope and cheer. As with many of our hymns, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” was a result of much grief in the life of its author, Joseph Medlicott Scriven.

Author and Composer –Alfred H. Ackley, 1887-1960

“He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Matthew 28:6

“Why should I worship a dead Jew?”

This challenging question was posed by a sincere young Jewish student who had been attending evangelistic meetings conducted by the author and composer of this hymn, Alfred H. Ackley.