I Need Jesus

This old hymn by George Webster has been frequently on my mind of late, and it is such a blessing. The first stanza and chorus are shown below.

I need Jesus, my need I now confess;
No friend like Him in times of deep distress;
I need Jesus, the need I gladly own;
Though some may bear their load alone,
Yet I need Jesus.

I need Jesus, I need Jesus, I need Jesus every day;

Need Him in the sunshine hour,
Need Him when the storm-clouds low'r;
Every day along my way,
Yes, I need Jesus.

The first stanza presents a very important but simple truth. The believer needs Jesus. Whether it is in the crisis moment or simply under the daily burden, there are people who try to manage their lives alone. They think their problems are not serious enough to take to Jesus, or they believe themselves sufficient to carry on without His help. Neither belief is correct.

The Christian who humbly and honestly acknowledges his need is upheld by hands greater than his own. There is no shame in admitting that one needs God's help. Such a ready admission opens the doors for God to pour out His grace on the needy one. Admitting such need also prepares the way for God to receive glory when He meets the need.

The words of the chorus are also precious. The need for Jesus exists not merely during the stormy times of life. Some Christians may wait until those times to seek God's help, but the reality is that the believer needs God every day. The need for God is just as great in the "sunshine hour" as it is in the time of storm. The failure to lean on God during the more pleasant times only serves to weaken the relationship, leaving the believer less prepared to trust in the difficult times. It also creates the false impression that the believer is capable of handling some things without God.

When I look at this life, I know that I need Jesus. Whether I acknowledge my need or not, the need is still there. Yes, I need Him in the times of storm. I don't know how I could ever make it through those times without His help. I also need Him in the normal everyday and in the times of comfort and blessing. God invites me to come to Him at any time and find the help and grace that I need. How comforting it is to know that I can freely admit my need without any fear that God will fail me or look down on me because I am needy.

"Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 (NASB)