July 9, 2005

Have faith in God –
For what we need the most;
Have faith in God –
His all the heavenly host;
Have faith in God –
And in the Holy Ghost.
Have faith, dear friend, in God.

Does Jesus Care?

Frank E Graeff, 1860-1919

    Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7.

    Frank E. Graeff, author of this hymn text, knew what it was to wonder, as most of God's children do at times, if the Lord is really concerned during our times of hurt, when the burdens and cares weigh heavily, when the way seems dark, when temptation seems difficult to resist, or when we must part with our dearest loved one. Yet the answer comes back triumphantly: "I know my Saviour cares!"
    Known as the "sunshine minister" of the Methodist denomination in the churches of the Philadelphia conference, Frank Graeff was widely liked for his cheerful and winsome personality. C. Austin Miles, writer of the hymn "In the Garden", said of him:
    He is a spiritual optimist, a great friend of children; his bright, sun-shining disposition attracts not only children but all with whom he comes in contact. He has a holy magnetism and a child-like faith.
    Unknown to others, however, were the many severe testing experiences in Mr. Graeff's life. It was during a time of severe physical agony, doubt, and despondency that he turned to the Scriptures for comfort and strength. I Peter 5:7, which says, "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you," became especially meaningful to him in this time of need. He wrote the lines of "Does Jesus Care?" to express the feelings of assurance that came to him. Mr. Graeff wrote more than 200 hymns in his lifetime, but none has been more consoling to God's people than this text.

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!

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!

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!

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!

Have Faith in God by H.M.S. Richards, Used by Permission