MAY 14 - I Must Tell Jesus

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” - Psalms 42:11

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” - Jeremiah 29:11

Have you ever felt worried sick about something? Desperate for a listening ear? Friends and family are either too busy to listen, or just plain don't understand.

In the town of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Elisha Hoffman met that problem face-to-face. Born in 1839, Elisha's father was a minister who taught his son to love the Lord from an early age.

Well educated in the sciences and classics, Elisha worked for eleven years in the Evangelical Publishing House. Life – was good – then tragedy struck when his young wife died. Strong in his faith he returned to Pennsylvania and devoted thirty-three years service to pastoring Benton Harbour church.

One day, out visiting his parishioners, he called at house, and immediately gained the sense that the woman in front of him was searching and needed to talk. Hoffman had scarcely said “hello” before the woman began to pour out her pent-up feelings. Hoffman spent time with her, listening and counselling. Finally, he got up, leaving her with his last words....”You must tell Jesus – tell the Lord exactly the words you have told me.” It was as though a light had been switched on....”Yes, that's it, that's the answer I needed. I must tell Jesus!”

On his way home these words ran round and round in Hoffman's mind. He received no peace until he sat down at his desk and began writing....I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! I cannot bear my burdens alone; I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.”

Hoffman lived to the ripe old age of ninety, living, preaching, and teaching, “Tell Jesus.” During those later years of life, Hoffman also wrote other well-known gospel favourites - “What a Wonderful Saviour;” “Down at the Cross;” “Are you Washed in the Blood?” “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” and two thousand more hymns, as well as editing fifty song books.

Depression is not class conscious, it respects no-one, and can strike out of the blue. Being told to 'snap out of it,' or, 'pull yourself together,' is more a hindrance than help, and will probably bring about the reverse of what the advice intended.

When friends and family are all 'listened out,' tell Jesus, He'll listen. He'll understand. He won't judge you. Trust Him, and tell Jesus.

Our song today is “I Must Tell Jesus” - Sanchez. To listen, click on the picture - 'urgent call to heaven.'