“No One Understands Like Jesus”

[Nelson Bradford]

We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses. ~ Hebrews 4:15

At the young age of 30, John had already achieved a fairly responsible place with a well-known company. A supervisory position opened up in his department and he was led to believe that he would be promoted. Of course he was thrilled at the prospect. However, he was by-passed and a man from outside the company was given the job.

This caused days of agonizing heart searching. It was all John could do to keep from becoming bitter. To make it worse, the new man made some caustic comments to him that further deepened his hurt. That evening he began thinking about the recent events in his life and was overcome with a feeling of aloneness and being forsaken.

But suddenly he sensed the presence of the Lord in an unusual way and his mind was diverted from his difficulties to His faithfulness and sufficiency. Soon the thought came to him that God fully understood and sympathized with his situation. From this thought came the inspiration for this song.

Who was the man who “took” John’s promotion? His name is lost to history. However, since World War II the name of John W. Peterson has become synonymous with fine gospel music. This gifted and dedicated composer wrote over 1000 gospel songs, hymns, cantatas, anthems, choral arrangements, and gospel film musicales. Some of his more popular song titles include It Took a Miracle—Over the Sunset Mountains—Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul—So Send I You—Springs of Living Water—Jesus is Coming Again—and Surely Goodness and Mercy. His cantatas include Night of Miracles and Down From His Glory.

He lived out another song he wrote a few years after this one…”Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days, all the days, of my life!” God truly “understood” what He had in store for John. And he expressed his heartfelt embracing of that fact in these words…

No one understands like Jesus;
He's a friend beyond compare.
Meet Him at the throne of mercy;
He is waiting for you there.

Refrain
No one understands like Jesus
When the days are dark and grim.
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus;
Cast your ev'ry care on Him.

- John W. Peterson, 1952

Copied from Sing to the Lord © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Company

Hymn commentary courtesy J. D. Sherrow

[Jim Franklin]

That is so very true. Without His understanding the deep disappointments that have come my way I undoubtedly would have been a victim at my own hand by now.