These sentiments are echoed by many great composers. Their music gives us renewed hope and an assurance that if tragedy comes, disciples of Jesus Christ can overcome.

Weigle was an evangelist who spent much time away from home conducting preaching missions. One day he returned to find a note from his wife that she had left him and taken their small daughter.

Historian Kenneth W. Osbeck, author of the book Amazing Grace, writes more about Weigle: "He became so despondent during the next several years that there were even times when he contemplated suicide. There was the terrible despair that no one really cared for him anymore. Gradually his spiritual faith was restored and he once again became active in the Christian ministry. Soon he felt compelled to write a song that would be a summary of his past tragic experience."

The first verse begins: "I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus, since I found in Him a friend so strong and true."

In our lives there are times when we feel all alone, whether it's due to a broken marriage, the betrayal of a good friend, the death of a loved one, a lonely childhood, or just the everyday trials of relationships at the workplace. This loneliness is a sure sign of a need for deepening one's faith in Jesus, who said, "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you" (John 14:18).

The chorus following each of the three stanzas of this hymn makes one feel secure in the loving relationship with our living Lord:

"No one ever cared for me like Jesus, there's no other friend so kind as He.
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
Oh how much he cared for me."

Composer Charles Weigle died at age 95. The world may not remember the sermons he preached. However, his ministry lives on as we sing his hymn of assurance. Our best friend is Jesus, whose love is perfect and everlasting.

God of all love, I humbly bow in Your presence as you reach out to touch me and assure me of your presence. I acknowledge my desperate need for you. I have no fear because you are sufficient for any need. Thank you for sending Your son Jesus who spoke these words of promise: "In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).  I pray in His name, Amen

Lucy Neeley Adams has always loved music. She began telling the story of hymns on Christian radio WWGM in Nashville, TN, in the '80s. She then wrote a newspaper column titled "Song Stories" for five years. During that time Lucy's book, 52 Hymn Story Devotions, was published by Abingdon Press in Nashville. Each of the 52 stories contained in the book is written in a devotional format, with the words of the hymn concluding each devotion.
Lucy, dubbed "The hymn lady," can be heard on the first Thursday of each month when she discusses hymn stories during a telephone interview with Michelle Mendoza of "Living Christian." The program is aired on station KCIS in Seattle, WA.
Lucy lives at Lake Junaluska, NC, with her minister husband, Woody. They have four children and fourteen grandchildren. She may be reached for comment at lucya424@aol.com. Visit her at 52hymns.com