I Must Tell Jesus

Words and music by Elisha A. Hoffman

From Forty Gospel Hymn Stories by George W. Sanville, 1943, p. 60

"I must tell Jesus" is the first confession of a penitent, and then a passionate cry for help.  Rev. Elisha A. Hoffman was summoned to help a friend who was in great trouble.  He tried to comfort her by telling of the unfailing love of God.  He spoke of that love which brought us into being, and follows us every step of our way. He urged her to surrender to God's mercy, and told her the help she needed could only come when she was fully repentant.  He prayed earnestly for her, and while he was praying she suddenly screamed, "I must tell Jesus!" His pastoral visit, spiritual instruction and earnest prayer led to her conversion, and she became a great soul winner in the Master's service.

"I must tell Jesus" was wrought out of a minister's intimate dealing with a soul seeking [deliverance] from sickness and sin.  His tender ministry of quoted scripture promises, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest...If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive...Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee..." and his earnest prayer  for God's blessing on her body and soul brought forth the great confession, "I must tell Jesus!"  She needed healing for her body, peace for her mind, and assurance in her soul, so she cried out from the very depths of her being.  Such a cry God always answers.

Deeply impressed by this experience, Mr. Hoffman wrote the poem and music...

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Psalms 130:1 Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.

Psalms 130:7...for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

I must tell Jesus all of my trials,
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me,
He ever loves and cares for His own.

Chorus:
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I Must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

I must tell Jesus all of my troubles,
He is a kind, compassionate Friend;
If I but ask Him, He will deliver,
Make of my troubles quickly an end.

Chorus.

Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior,
One who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus,
He all my cares and sorrows will share.

Chorus.

O how the world to evil allures me!
O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus, and He will help me
Over the world the victory to win.

Chorus.