Does Jesus Care?

We sang a variation of this old hymn in choir when I was in college. The words of it just came to me, and I wanted to post them. Actually, the simple truth that Jesus really does care what's going on in my life--about me--helps me gain perspective in my truly little 'trials'. I think I can tend to get caught up in the greatness of Reform doctrine sometimes, focusing on God's Sovereignty and Holiness and forgetting his Imminence and Love. Especially when I'm sinning (or have sinned) and am tempted to keep my distance from Him instead of running into his arms of safety and forgiveness. Though I missed most of a recent sermon on God's holiness that was preached at my church, I did catch this idea: God's wrath is not part of his character, it is a response to sin.

God is love, not wrath. Not that I didn't already know that, but it is good for me to actually say it and remember it. God is love.


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?

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 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?

Refrain

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?

Refrain

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?

Refrain

~Frank Graefe 1901