Does Jesus care
When my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth and song,
As the burdens press
And the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?

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?

Does Jesus care
When I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief
I find no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?

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?

CHORUS:
O 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?
Words by Rev. Frank Graeff (1901)
Music by J. Lincoln Hall

Graeff asks the question, “Does Jesus care?” not to cause doubt, but to heighten our awareness. Sometimes, in the thick of things, it does seem as though our Lord is absent or unaware of our predicament. Even David asked, “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me? Why art Thou so far from helping me?” (Psalm 22:1). And the disciples, with whom Jesus walked and talked every single day, asked Him, “Carest Thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:38). Of course He cared. But Jesus had a plan that was bigger than what they could see. He still does.

This hymn has been my song in the night more times than I can count. In fact, every single experience the songwriter mentions, I too have keenly felt. These heartaches are common enough to all of us, but Rev. Graeff was blessed with the ability to express our universal emotions in such a way that we can all relate; and the music is equally touching. More than once I’ve been moved to tears as I tried to sing this song, overcome by the reality that Jesus truly cares about my burdens.

1 Peter 5:7  Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you.

Credits:
Morgan, Robert J. Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories. Thomas Nelson: Nashville, 2003. pp. 252-253.

Photo taken in Milton, FL, 2018