The truest friend abides in heaven

1 The truest Friend abides in heaven;
On earth our friends are rare and few;
The world to faithlessness is given;
Her children often prove untrue:
And therefore I must here contend
That Jesus is my truest Friend.

2 Men like a cradle sway and falter,
But Jesus like a rock doth stand;
Though storms of woe my fortune alter,
He holds me firmly by the hand:
Yea, He stands by me to the end,
So Jesus is my truest Friend.

3 For me He suffers crucifixion,
for me He sheds His precious blood,
He lends me help in my affliction,
His counsels all are wise and good:
Upon His word I may depend,
And thus He is my truest Friend.

4 My Friend, such faithfulness possessing;
My Friend, whose own I am for aye;
My Friend, so tender and caressing;
My Friend e'en unto death will stay.
Then let me evermore contend
That Jesus is my truest Friend.

Source: Wartburg Hymnal: for church, school and home #243