I'VE FOUND A FRIEND

       Many inspiring hymns have been written following periods of deep distress.  Such was the case with this week's hymn choice.  Barclay Allen (1918-1966) was a very talented pianist who headlined with the Fredy Martin Band in the 1940's.  They played all over America and he accompanied people like Peggy Lee, Jane Russell, and Frank Sinatra.  

         One night in 1949, while driving in Nevada, after drinking all day, he fell asleep at the wheel, drove over an embankment, and ended up paralyzed from the neck down. He was 30 years old. At the request of his mother, a Rev. Norman Hammer launched an intensive conversion effort on the young man who was nearing death. The angry young musician's heart was finally reached by the Lord and the pastor introduced him to his friend, the Lord Jesus Christ.  

          Months later, after long and difficult rehabilitation, Barclay Allen regained a measure of his mobility. He was able to sit in a wheelchair, and even to do a limited amount of piano playing.  In 1953, Barclay Allen composed the music and a friend, Roc Hillman, supplied the lyrics for the hymn "I Found a Friend."   The hymn was made popular when it was sung by George Beverly Shea at Billy Graham rallies.  

          While the words were penned by Hillman, they probably are the testimony of Allen  ...  when life seemed not worth living ... a friend so tender and forgiving ... now He walks beside me ... his love is overflowing ... I can depend on Him to see me through ... my soul will live in glory ... He's ever near ... I found a friend and life began anew ... He can be your friend too.  What an amazing testimony from one who was paralyzed.  If God can love and care for one like Allen, certainly He can care for you.  Have you placed your trust in Him?

1.   I found a Friend when life seemed not worth living

I found a Friend so tender and forgiving

I can't conceive how such a thing could be

That Jesus cares for even me

Each day, each year, my faith in him is growing,

He's ever near, his love is overflowing

I have no fear my worldly cares are few

I can depend on Him to see me through

I found a Friend, He can be your Friend too.

2.     I found a Friend and now He walks beside me

His hand to lead, to comfort and to guide me

When clouds appear I talk to Him awhile,

He's taught this heart of mine to smile

Each day, each year, my faith in him is growing,

He's ever near, his love is overflowing

I have no fear my worldly cares are few

I can depend on Him to see me through

I found a Friend, He can be your Friend too.

3.     Because He came, my soul will live in glory,

I'll praise His name and tell my Saviors story,

What friend so true would give his all for you,

I found a friend and life began anew

I'm sure you'll find He is your Friend too

Each day, each year, my faith in him is growing,

He's ever near, his love is overflowing

I have no fear my worldly cares are few

I can depend on Him to see me through

I found a Friend, He can be your Friend too.

Listen to it here.   FRIEND