Hymn: Does Jesus Care?

Pastor Frank E. Graeff had gone through a period of despondency, doubt, and physical pain. Every day, his despair deepened, pushing him farther down into a seemingly insurmountable dark pit. In the midst of his suffering,he remembered Ephesians 5:19.

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Out of his black depression, Pastor Graeff began singing the old hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus. His heart flooded with what he described as "joy unspeakable and full of glory." He realized that his Savior did care, and penned this amazing song.

Does Jesus Care?
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?

Refrain:
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.

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?

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?

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?

More than 100 years later, it is still being sung, still bringing comfort and peace.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:2-3

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