Friend of a Wounded Heart
A great memory I have of serving as the Music Minister at was then called Glasgow Church was conducting the choir back in 90s. At one point, we had over 80 members. It was during a time when worship music was emerging and it was also time of deep pain for our church since my parents had tragically lost my brother Mark in ‘93. There were many songs our choir sang that brought comfort and lament. I Bowed on My Knees, Midnight Cry, and even a song like I’ve Got Joy (I remember conducting that song at David Saadeh’s funeral and weeping the whole time). But one of the songs that has recently emerged to the forefront in my memory is Friend of a Wounded Heart. There was an alto with a voice similar to the artist singing on this track who beautifully sang this song through her own life experiences…the choir and her singing it together was one of those unforgettable moments in an historic era of a great church of the 90s.
While I enjoy many of the recent worship songs and while singing a “new song” is biblical, don’t make the tragic mistake of writing off the older dated songs of the church as “cheesy” or irrelevant. Don’t miss on how God has moved in different ages of the church and spoken to those who came before us. We need ALL the songs of the church.
The singing doesn’t start until 1:30. Especially at this time of year when quiet pain is intensified, I pray that this song brings you hope in whatever situation you are facing and encourages you that Jesus meets you wherever you are, knows your secret scars, and is the true friend of the wounded heart. Here are some of the lyrics…
Smile, make 'em think you're happy
Lie and say that things are fine
And hide that empty longing that you feel
Don't ever show it, just keep your heart concealed
Why are the days so lonely?
I wonder where, where can a heart go free
And who will dry the tears that no one's seen?
There must be someone to share your silent dreams
Caught like a leaf in the wind
Lookin' for a friend, where can you turn?
Whisper the words of a prayer and you'll find Him there
Arms open wide, love in His eyes
Jesus, He meets you where you are
Jesus, He heals your secret scars
All the love you're longing for
Is Jesus, the friend of a wounded heart
-Pastor Chuck
