The story behind: "Does Jesus care?" hymn

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Does life ever become difficult for you?

Are there times when you think you can

bear it no more? When the hurricanes of this world come and the devastation they bring tear you down, do you ever feel all alone with your cares and problems? 

Well, Pastor Frank Graeff did, but out of his despair came a song that has encouraged many thousands since its writing in 1900.

Pastor Graeff had gone through a deep and heartbreaking experience. He was to say later, “My whole attitude had become one of despair and defeat; and because of this, I was living a life of unhappiness and failure. With each passing day, I fell deeper and deeper into that slough of despair until finally, I felt I could stand it no longer.”

The good Pastor began to sing a hymn, a hymn that had been born out of a sad experience too, What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Well, the Lord did speak to Pastor Graeff through the hymn, and his heart was filled with “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” From that experience, the Pastor

exclaimed, “I know He cares! I know my Savior cares!” The Lord gave him a new song. 

In the Bible, it says, “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” (II Corinthians 1:4) 

In other words, sometimes, we suffer so that we might help those who will suffer likewise. That’s exactly what Pastor Graeff’s hurricane experience has done now for over a hundred years. From a broken heart to a filled one would pour out these words:

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained Too deeply for mirth and song; As the burdens press, and the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long?

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 I find no relief, Though tears flow all the night long?

Does Jesus care when I’ve said goodby To the dearest on earth to me, And my sad heart Aches till it nearly breaks. Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

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 Saviour cares.

Does Jesus care hymn

The Bible reminds us in I Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you