A Friend Who Understands

Words by Frank P. Nickel, Music by Rachel Bontrager

There are times when nights are dark and days are dreary,
in our spirits we become distressed and weary;
and we wonder why the test
when we’ve tried to do our best,
yet it seems at times we’re so misunderstood.

Chorus
There’s a friend who understands, when others care not;
and He sympathizes when our critics spare not.
Yes, He whispers words of cheer: 
“Look up, and fear not; 
dear child, all things work together for your good.”

When we struggle with the lure of sin’s temptation,
and behold the sin and evil in our nation;
when the righteous cause seems lost,
and the evil prospers most,
when the wicked chide us, saying “God is dead.”

Chorus
There’s a friend who understands, when others care not;
and He sympathizes when our critics spare not.
Yes, He whispers words of cheer: 
“Look up, and fear not; 
dear child, all things work together for your good.”

fpn/1976

This was written as a song. For a copy of the four part music, contact Joyce



Picture: depositphotos.com #11858138, standard license

The Uplook

Just fix your eyes on Jesus
when lonely, sad, and blue;
though things may seem impossible,
He’ll make a way for you.
Just fix your eyes on Jesus—
the dearest Friend to own;
though other friends may prove untrue,
He’ll never let you down!

fpn/1975

Published in Contemporary Psalms, p. 49

Picture: sourced online, October 2017

The Pain of Betrayal

Had it been but a casual acquaintaince
or an enemy over the years,
then I could have born all the trauma,
though it called for some suffering and tears.

But it was a man, quite my equal,
in whom I had placed utmost trust;
his pledges and input were binding,
and sharing his friendship, a must.

We walked in sweet counsel together;
we entered God’s house side by side.
No need to retain reservations,
we were sure that such trust would abide.

But suddenly—it’s still so unreal!
Like a dream—might I not yet awake?
And find that it never did happen
and in further exchanges partake?

The cause and the cure for that heartache 
may be hidden from view while I live;
but there’s comfort and healing in Jesus,
through Him, I can truly forgive.

Would taking revenge solve the problem?
Would apologies be understood?
It’s doubtful—the path that I travel
in essence, is forward, with God.

There’s forgiveness and healing in Jesus.
Future joy may eclipse those that were;
we’ve no cause or time then for worry;
He’s the cushion for jolts that occur.

fpn/1974



Picture: depositphotos.com #48689365, standard license

A Spiritual Drink

A drink of water for a child
shall surely be rewarded,
if as unto the Lord Himself,
your deed has been regarded.

The water that you give to him
just now will be refreshing;
e’er long he’ll have to drink again—
’tis but a present blessing.

But is there not within your heart
more than a cup of water?
And is that not the greatest need
of every son and daughter?

Did not our Lord say He would give
to those who come believing,
a mighty spring of sweeter flow,
the thirst of soul relieving?

So while the water from the well
with him, a friend, you’re sharing,
do give to him the better drink,
his needy soul repairing.

Your deed, your words, will be to him
a pause that truly pleases,
if with the water from the well,
you speak to him of Jesus.

fpn/undated



Picture: depositphotos.com #20805783, standard license

Special People

We all have special people—
they may live near or far;
perhaps we’ve little contact,
but precious still they are!

Our hearts are stirred with memories
of incidents long past,
that helped to shape and mold us, 
to choose the things that last.

There’s much that we’ve forgotten
of faces, names, events;
but somehow these dear people
stand out like monuments.

We cannot say they catered 
to some sweet, earthly whim;
but led us to the Savior,
and made us fond of Him.

Material possessions
were never uppermost,
but they had wealth far greater
which never can be lost.

They didn’t seek for glory
or serve for earthly show,
but poured out love and labor
with earnest, fervent glow.

Oh, how their lives inspire us
great victories to win
and in a world that’s hostile
to “take it on the chin!”

fpn/1983



Picture: Nickel Family Archive

On Being Cheerful

It isn’t hard in times like these—
the world is so distressed—
to hold a gloomy attitude
and a spirit much depressed.

God’s grace is ample for each need;
let’s just apply for more.
Self-pity, like a grouchy dog,
will drive friends from your door.

If friends you’d have, then be a friend;
go lift another’s load.
Perhaps his lot is harder still,
more difficult his road.

He may be struggling, oh, so hard,
in battles he must win;
to see you with a frown or scowl
won’t help him lift his chin.

It may just make the difference
that will spell success or loss;
determine now how you will leave
some friend whose path you cross.

How will complaining ease your load
or other friends inspire?
Can you not see some stepping stones
protruding from the mire?

Not always easy? I’ll agree!
The world’s in such a mess;
but as you walk with God each day
some others you can bless.

God’s Word holds many promises;
they’re meant for you and me.
Let’s demonstrate how true they are
by living cheerfully!

fpn/undated



Picture: depositphotos.com #72580893, standard license

When is a Friend a Friend?

When is a friend a friend?
Not just when the skies are blue,
but when you hurt, they understand
and try to help you, too.

When is a friend a friend?
When you are in the wrong
they’ll find a way of telling you,
not just quietly go along.

When is a friend a friend?
Not just when folks speak well.
When you’re despised, they won’t defect.
Their love rings true like a bell.

fpn / undated



Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #96530486, standard license

A Personal Friend in Glory

O where can I find life with meaning—
a life with fulfillment and joy?
The fountains of this vain world’s pleasure
all must sooner or later go dry.
My source of supply is in heaven—
grace to meet all my needs here below;
I’ve a personal Friend in the glory
and from Him all my benefits flow!

I’ve a personal Friend in the glory—
Blessed Jesus, exalted on high;
He’s in charge of it all in God’s storehouse.
All my needs He will fully supply.

The giver of gifts that are perfect
is known as the Father of Light;
no vain or impure thing He offers,
only things that are wholesome and right.
And the One who dispenses these treasures
once lived on this earth here below,
so He knows what I feel and I long for,
and decides what is best to bestow.

I’ve a personal Friend in the glory—
Blessed Jesus, exalted on high;
He’s in charge of it all in God’s storehouse.
All my needs He will fully supply.

fpn / January 1973
This poem is set to music. Contact Joyce for a copy.


Picture: depositphotos.com #62412391, standard license