Lord’s Day, Vol. 6 No. 20

I Must Tell Jesus

– An Answer to a Heart Cry

Elisha A. Hoffman (1839-1929), an evangelical pastor, wrote almost two thousand gospel hymns, including, “Are You Washed in the Blood?,” “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” and “Glory to His Name.”

He tells how he came to write the words of one of his most popular hymns, “I Must Tell Jesus.”

“There was a woman to whom God permitted many visitations of sorrow and affliction. Coming to her home one day, I found her much discouraged. She unburdened her heart, concluding with the question, “Brother Hoffman, what shall I do? What shall I do?” I quoted from the word, then added, “You cannot do better than to take all of your sorrows to Jesus. You must tell Jesus.”

“For a moment she seemed lost in meditation. Then her eyes lighted as she exclaimed, “Yes, I must tell Jesus.” As I left her home I had a vision of that joy-illuminated face … and I heard all along my pathway the echo, “I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus.”

When pastor Hoffman reached his study he penned the words, and a short time later the melody, for what has become the popular gospel song.

 

I must tell Jesus all of my trials,

            I cannot bear these burdens alone;

In my distress He kindly will help me,

            He ever loves and cares for His own.

 

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

            I cannot bear my burdens alone

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

            Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

 

I must tell Jesus all of my troubles,

            He is a kind, compassionate Friend;

If I but ask Him, He will deliver,

            Make of my troubles quickly an end.

 

Tempted and tried, I need a great Saviour,

One who can help my burdens to bear;

I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus,

He all my cares and sorrows will share.

 

When our life is overtaken by trial, how helpful it is to be able to talk to a friend, one who will be a source of understanding and strength. Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”(Matthew 11:28).

Are you beset with sorrow or anxiety? The counsel of the wise pastor to the heart cry of his parishioner in her dark night of the soul is one for all of us to heed. Too often we try to carry our burdens ourselves, to work things out with our own limited resources. We tend to forget the gracious and great invitation of God’s word: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

How assuring that we can take our troubles to the Lord and find in Him One who cares and understands. Today, take your burden to the Lord in prayer, and find His guidance, power and peace. Amen.

 

[Extracted and edited from Songs in the Night by Henry Gariep]

 

(2) Young Adults Fellowship

On 12 May, our Young Adults gathered at the home of Miss Kuo Ying Chieh for the inaugural Young Adults Fellowship meeting.

The focus of this fellowship is to nurture our Young Adults through the study of God’s Word and prayer that they may grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus.

Relevant topics are chosen to encourage and strengthen our Young Adults in their Christian Walk. The first message was on Christian Marriage.

There is the mutual encouragement of those in the same age group coming to pray together.

It is my prayer that these three Bible verses will guide the fellowship

Hebrews 10:25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 

Galatians 6:2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

 

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee