July 29, 2026 – Daily Devotional
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Life is a wonderful adventure. In so many ways, life is filled with great excitement and joy. Other moments of life are challenging. Yet, the promise of our faith is that no matter what we are going through, God is with us; we are not alone. This is the great comfort of our souls.
Joseph Midlicott Scriven was a man who embraced the great adventure of life. He enjoyed many successes and, even more so, many tragedies. Born in Northern Ireland, Joseph enjoyed the blessing of a good family who brought him up in the faith. Eventually, Joseph would attend school at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. While in school, Joseph would attempt military service, but his health would not allow him to fulfill his commitment. He would eventually graduate from Trinity.
Sadly, Joseph Scriven would meet and become engaged to a young lady, who would pass away after an accidental drowning. Joseph decided he needed a change and moved across the ocean to Canada. He would lead a Brethren congregation while teaching school. He served in many ways in Canada. He luckily met and once again became engaged to a young lady. Unfortunately, she became sick and died before they were able to be married. It would seem heartbreak was an unshakable part of his life.
Although his life was filled with many struggles, Joseph Scriven was also known as a person who loved and served his community. He was known for helping the poorest in their time of need. He remained in ministry in his local community, leading a small congregation. He also stayed connected with his mother. When she grew sick, Joseph shared some of his writings with her in the hopes of lifting her spirit.
One of the writings Joseph Scriven shared with his mother was a hymn he had written to encourage people to pray, especially in times of trouble. No doubt, these lyrics came from a tender place in his heart because of all he had endured. This hymn was inspired by the writings of Paul. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul encourages the church to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…” Because Paul believed that Jesus was close to us and desired for us to be close to him, Paul felt it was important and necessary to pray without ceasing.
The lyrics Joseph Scriven would share with his mother would eventually become the hymn, “What A Friend We Have in Jesus.” This hymn expresses the profound truth that Jesus is with us through all of life’s ups and downs. We have the gift of peace because we have a close connection with our Lord. We can be thankful because we are not alone. God is with us.
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.’
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
