Experience the comforting and restorative spirit of “No, Not One” (also known as There’s Not a Friend Like the Lowly Jesus) in this peaceful instrumental arrangement. This rendition is crafted to provide a worshipful atmosphere for reflection, centering on the promise that Christ will never leave us nor forsake us.
The Scriptural Foundation
This timeless hymn is a melodic response to the unwavering promise found in Hebrews 13:5:
“For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”
Complementing this is the assurance of Hebrews 4:15, reminding us that we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses. The refrain “Jesus knows all about our struggles” serves as a spiritual anchor, assuring us that our Savior is both “high and holy” and “meek and lowly.”
The Story Behind the Hymn
Written in 1895 by Johnson Oatman, Jr., “No, Not One” was born out of a desire to highlight the unique companionship of Jesus. Oatman, a prolific hymn writer who also gave us “Count Your Blessings,” understood that while earthly friends may fail, the “Lowly Jesus” is a constant presence.
Set to a moving tune by George C. Hugg, the hymn has become a worldwide favorite for its simple yet profound truth: there is no “night so dark” that His love cannot cheer. It is a song of total accessibility—reminding us that no saint is ever forsaken and no sinner is ever refused.
Hymn Lyrics (Part I)
1
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! No, not one!
None else could heal all our soul’s diseases,
No, not one! No, not one!
Refrain
Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide till the day is done;
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! No, not one!
2
No friend like Him is so high and holy,
No, not one! No, not one!
And yet no friend is so meek and lowly,
No, not one! No, not one!
3
There’s not an hour that He is not near us,
No, not one! No, not one!
No night so dark but His love can cheer us,
No, not one! No, not one!
Hymn Lyrics (Part II)
4
Did ever saint find this Friend forsake him?
No, not one! No, not one!
Or sinner find that He would not take him?
No, not one! No, not one!
5
Was ever a gift like the Savior given?
No, not one! No, not one!
Will He refuse us a home in heaven?
No, not one! No, not one!
Refrain
Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide till the day is done;
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! No, not one!
Ways to Use This Instrumental
Healing from Loneliness: Focus on the “Friend” imagery when you feel isolated, letting the music remind you of His constant nearness.
Evening Reflection: Play this as the “day is done,” handing your struggles over to the One who already knows them all.
Intercessory Worship: Use this melody to pray for those walking through “dark nights,” asking for the cheer of His love to reach them.
Deepen Your Connection
If this melody comforted your soul, explore our collection of traditional hymns and scriptural deep-dives designed to foster a life of intimacy with Christ.
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