Hymn Appreciation: Does Jesus Care?

Frank Graeff was a Methodist preacher in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the early 1900’s. He had a wonderful disposition and to everyone he met, he brought a ray of sunshine. Because of this he became known as the “Sunshine Minister.” Little did people know that Graeff went through many difficult trials. The lyrics to Does Jesus Care? was penned after studying the Bible and reading the words he careth for you in I Peter 5:7 during one of those trials.

There really isn’t much written about the difficult situations Graeff suffered in his life, only that he suffered them. While many are unsure of the situation at this time, it has been told that Graeff's daughter had caught her dress on fire and was burned to death. Being overcome with grief, Graeff began questioning if Jesus really did care about this tragedy and his family. It was then when he began writing the lyrics to the song.

Does Jesus Care

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or 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 there is 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,

Chorus

Oh 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.