She was here for a few days and under the weather. It’s hard to see a toddler not feeling well. We laid down for an afternoon nap with several “stuffies”, our blankets, and our usual snuggle position.
She was quiet for a few minutes and then she asked quietly, “Mimi, sing me the Jesus song.”
I knew which one she wanted but asked to be certain, “Which one, Eliza?”
She replied, “You know, Mimi. The one that says they are weak but He is strong. I like that Jesus is strong.”
My eyes filled with tears as I began singing. I pray that she always knows how strong Jesus is and how deeply she is loved by Jesus.
~*~*~
I called a friend the other day, my dearest friend, recovering from knee surgery. We talked for a few minutes about her pain level and the difficult days which yet lie ahead.
I tried to reassure her Jesus was with her, yes, even in this. He would be her strength, her comfort, her friend who would be closer than a brother.
We didn’t talk long but we prayed before hanging up and then she said, “Sing me a Jesus song.”
And what can one do in times like this but sing a Jesus song. I pray that she always knows how strong Jesus is and how deeply she is loved by Jesus. With tears rolling and a voice cracked with emotion I began to sing the very same song …
“Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong!Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.”
The significance and power of truths deeply implanted in our hearts at a young age is not lost on me. We truly need to know from young of Jesus’ deep and unwavering love for us.
There will be days throughout our lives, we will need to remember and hold onto those very same truths. When we are older, facing health challenges, and are alone, those same truths will return to bring comfort and peace to our souls.
Whether young or old, we need to simply know,
Jesus is strong and
Jesus loves us!
“Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you.” (Isaiah 46:4, NASB)
“I will be your God throughout your lifetime”” until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” (Isaiah 46:4, NLT)
“Each morning, as we face the page, we meet ourselves. The pages give us a place to vent and a place to dream.” In her post, “Small Changes to Care for Ourselves“, Lynn Simpson reminds us of the importance of caring for ourselves so we are best energized to pursue God’s calling.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Jessica Delp on Unsplash
Today I may be joining …
What a sweet and true post, Joanne. Whenever events have happened in my life hat have shaken me, that foundational truth stabilizes me–that Jesus loves me. And in the everyday, all the little ways His blessings show up remind me that He loves me.
Incidentally, did you know there is a “senior” version of “Jesus Loves Me”? I posted it a while back here: https://barbaraleeharper.com/2007/05/21/senior-version-of-jesus-loves-me/.
Barbara, I did not know there was a “senior” version and I am so glad you shared it!! I loved it and am going to share it with my friend. Thank you so much! This is the beauty of community and friendship! xo
I’m tearing up right now. My prayer is that all the songs I sang about Jesus (especially that one) will bubble to the surface as the ones I love wander. May it be a guiding beacon back to the one who loves them!
Oh Anita, I so agree with you in this prayer!
Love this story and testimony, Joanne. Lots of memories and emotions go with that song learned long ago. Words so true and simple a child can understand and yet so powerful they can bring an adult to tears.
The truth of God’s Word and the power of Jesus’ love for each of us will reach any age at any time. These songs will not return void but will accomplish His purposes.
Amen. That “Jesus Love Me” song can bring peace and comfort. I love to sing the song to Rowan and Eden. 🙂
Melissa, may we keep singing again and again so the words sink deeply into their tender hearts!
Joanne, this is the sweetest article! Thankful for this:
Whether young or old, we need to simply know,
Jesus is strong and
Jesus loves us!
Jesus loves Joanne for the Bible tells her so!
Thank you, Karen.
From time to time, we just need to go back to the basics. That song is so special to millions of us!
And, when life is filled to the brim with activity, quieting ourselves and remembering Jesus loves us is so refreshing.
It is amazing the way we all respond to this song. You are so right, Jerralea, we just need to go back to the basics of Jesus’ love for us. Blessings!
Oh Joanne … music is such a powerful gift from God. I remember singing “Away the Manager” once to Lilly when she was about 3, and she just cried and cried. (She’s always been a deep feeler.) Now I’m the one who cries during church worship services. (And I’m totally OK with that.) Love this post, friend.
Lois, I am right there with you. May the beauty and message in these songs always stir our hearts to love Him more. Blessings!
I love the thoughts brought to mind as I consider Isaiah 46:4 and how the Lord has loved me over the years. Remembering His goodness to me throughout my years is so sweet! Thank you for reminding me to remember.
May we always remember the Lord’s love and goodness towards us, Amy.
Joanne, this is so beautiful and sweet. I love this song. Thank you for your beautiful stories and the Scripture of Isaiah 46:4. Thank you for bringing me this needed sweet encouragement.
How precious! Yes, Jesus loves me. That is something to celebrate.
Joanne, I am at a loss for words. I needed these simple words of reassurance today in the dark valley. Thank you.
I am so grateful the words met you right where you are, Donna. Praying for you tonight.
What a beautiful reminder, Joanne!
In my 70s I find these truths more and more comforting. And verses like these are so meaningful. Thanks for sharing these beautiful truths. Some of the simplest songs contain the most profound truths.
Ahhh, Joanne. I love that God gave you the opportunity to remind your granddaughter and your friend of Jesus’ love through song. I need to remember that when I’m feeling anxious or worried about circumstances in life. Thank you for this beautiful post.
Joanne, this touched my heart. To have a friend like you…what a treasure.
Blessings,
Tammy
If I remember correctly, a student asked the great theologian, Karl Barth, to summarize biblical theology in one sentence. And Dr. Barth quoted, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” I think it’s true: the entirety of scripture is to make that point–and then extrapolate from there how he demonstrates that love, and how we can demonstrate our love and appreciation back to him.
Thank you for sharing this with me, Nancy.
Oh, what a sweet post! It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for this precious reminder today as I face some hard trials. God bless you! I added you to my link-up page and am grateful for the opportunity to share my posts here.
Cheryl, I am so grateful to have you share here. May you be blessed with the community and friendship here!
You must have a lovely voice, Joanna! When I volunteered at a Women’s Emergency Shelter, the ladies requested the Jesus Loves Me Song every time (and the One Day At A Time song). Yes, God’s comfort and love is unconditional, forever! (And thank you for linking to my blog. What a lovely surprise and encourages me so.)
Joanne, I love the reminder that Jesus loves me and the song to repeat in my mind and heart when trouble looms. How I remember singing it to my boys, who are now men. I pray that these words will well up in their hearts.
Enjoyed reading the link, as well, to Lynn’s blog. The most important self-care begins in time spent with the Lord.
Thank you and blessings,
Janis
This makes me smile and tear up a bit. Thanks for sharing, Joanne. Praise Jesus for “Jesus songs” and the reality of his strength and love!
This is a beautiful post Joanne. I recently sang this to my Dad who’s now in aged care, & has confusion most days, a song he learnt in Sunday School as a child.
A song I sang to my Father in law as he passed away.
A song my friend sang to a mutual friend as he passed away.
It is a poignant prayer!
Bless you, Jennifer