Why does God allow suffering? Why do good people suffer? These are age old questions without simple answers. God does allow suffering and good people do suffer and experience pain. I am sure that many of my readers either are suffering or have suffered at times throughout their lives. Often the suffering is physical, sometimes it is emotional. Then there are events we encounter like tornados, earthquakes, terrorism. And we ask why? And while we may not have the answers, we do know that God does care and that He provides grace and strength and peace in difficult times, from His infinite resources, to those who put their trust in Him. Frank E. Graeff was a Methodist pastor who served churches around Philadelphia. He was born in Tamaqua in 1860 and was reared and educated in that area of Pennsylvania. He is said to have written 200 hymn texts. He was also said to be a special friend to children and an encouragement to everyone who knew him. While he was known as the "sunshine minister", he went through some severe testing experiences and resulting periods of despondency. It was while passing through one of these tests that he became very despondent, full of doubt and full of physical agony. Turning to the scriptures for solace and strength he found that I Peter 5:7 spoke to his need. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you." This was the inspiration that led him to pen the words of the great hymn "Does Jesus Care?" Each one of the verses of Graeff's hymn asks some intensely personal and important questions, and the answer is always "Oh yes, He cares." The final verse is always one that touches me. I can not imagine the pain of losing the one closest to you. And yet we know that Jesus still cares and that His heart is touched with our grief. Claim this truth as you face the burdens and pain in your life.
(1) Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?
Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
(2) Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
(3) Does Jesus care when I've tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?
Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
(4) Does Jesus care when I've said "goodbye"
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Listen to it being sung here. LISTEN
No comments:
Post a Comment