‘Does Jesus Care?’

Every so often at church, we take a break from whatever section of the Bible we are studying and learn about the history of the hymns we sing. Occasionally breaking up the monotony of a weekly routine is good for both pastor and congregation. 

I have titled this on-again, off-again series; “Songs in the Night” (from Job 35:10). So, every now and then, we set aside whatever book of the Bible we are working through and specifically give thought to one of the songs we sing during corporate worship. As you may know, some of the great hymns of the Christian faith were birthed out of tremendous personal tragedy. In these cases, putting pen to paper is the hymn writer’s way of processing their pain; and at the same time, reminding themselves of God’s unwavering promises to His people. 

Such is the case for that classic old Gospel hymn, “Does Jesus Care?” Let’s consider what prompted the writing of this familiar favorite. 

In the late 1800’s there was a Methodist minister named Frank Graeff. He was so well-liked and such a pleasant person to be around he was given the nickname, the “Sunshine Minister.” But what most people didn’t know, was that behind the scenes, Graeff struggled with long bouts of anxiety and depression. Outwardly, he seemed to exude a radiant personality, yet privately the emotional trauma of life weighed heavy on him. 

To help you relate to the pain he endured, allow me to share some of his biography. In the year 1880, one of his older sisters died. Two years later, one of his younger sisters died. A short time after that, his mother and father passed. Then not long afterward, his youngest sister died at the age of 34. All these deaths took place before Graeff turned 40 years old. 

So, despite his public cheery disposition, inwardly he was losing his joy and confidence in the goodness of God. As is the case with many Christians who have endured significant loss, darkness crept over his heart and mind. He found himself in seemingly endless sadness and struggling with depression. 

One day, even though he didn’t feel like it, he forced himself to open his Bible and read. On that occasion he came to this verse of Scripture; “Casting all your care upon him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Instantly, that passage was like balm for his troubled soul! Graeff began to recite those words repeatedly to himself and then picked up a pen and began to write. 

These are the words that flowed on the page: “Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth and song? When 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 night dreary, I know my Savior cares.” 

Pay careful attention to the last verse given what you now know about his past.
“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?” And then that heartwarming chorus again; “Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares. His heart is touched with my grief. When the days are weary, the long night dreary, I know my Savior cares.” 

Christian friend, while I may not know what you are facing today, I know this – Jesus knows and He cares. Not just because Frank Graeff said so, but because God’s Word says so. Here is that passage again that helped lift Graeff (and many others) from the swamp of despondency; 1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your anxieties on Him, for He cares for you.”

Believer, think on this … God cares for you. The Almighty Sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the Universe is concerned about you! Not some weak impotent helpless counterfeit deity … but the All-powerful, All-knowing God Who is love, cares for you. 

I feel comfortable saying, President Trump doesn’t know you exist, but God cares for you. The Governor doesn’t know your name, but God cares for you. Christian, cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you. Not for nothing, that Scripture says – cast ALL your cares on Him. Not some of them, but ALL of them. His divine shoulders are broad and His everlasting arms are strong and He can bear those burdens far better than we. Don’t treat your troubles like a fishing lure, and cast them out and reel them right back in. Instead, do as another old hymn wisely instructs, “take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there!” 

I am convinced it helps Christians of today connect with Christians of the past, to learn about these sortied histories of the hymns. But also, knowing what other born-again believers have endured, and yet clung to Christ through it all; is a source of encouragement for all believers. If you are not a Christian, you are not only in jeopardy of missing heaven, you are also sacrificing an endless source of strength for life’s troubles. Turn to Christ in saving faith, and then you too can say and sing, Jesus cares for me! 

Out of his heartache, the “sunshine minister” penned a song that dispelled darkness. That old hymn has been a refreshing musical fountain of hope for many struggling saints. So, the next time you read that Bible verse, or sing that song – think about Frank Graeff. But also think about the assurance He found in the finished work of Christ … who cares for us.