Father, I would ask that You would help clear my mind. There is much before me and right now, this time with You is my priority. I come humbly before You to hear what You would say to me. Amen.

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Tonight, Lord Jesus, I need something to lift me up. And as I sat and pondered that almost immediately music came to mind – specifically hymns.

I referred to this past Sunday’s sermon in Monday’s post and once again it comes to mind. (If you’d like to listen to the whole thing, just click here on its title If There’s Victory in Jesus, Why Do I Struggle? If you just want the sermon you can skip to 3:30, otherwise, you get an opening and closing hymn!) 

Anyway, this portion of my sermon came to mind.

What do we think about most often? What fills our minds and dominates our thoughts? Does God or his Word come to mind very often? Do we ever have a Scripture passage, a song or hymn rolling around in our hearts and minds throughout the day?

I’ve ingested so much music in my lifetime that it is not unusual for a hymn – at least the tune – to pop in my head quite often. And I must admit it is quite beneficial on many fronts, especially spiritually.

One of my favorite hymns is Be Thou My Vision. I thought of giving you a post of how it came to be, but I fear I would not do it justice. Though I did find a very informative post by a pastor from Bayview, Idaho. Check it out! The Story Behind “Be Thou My Vision” 

I will say that it has deep Irish roots and deep theology, as well. In my searching, I also came across a video of Be Thou My Vision sung by the group Celtic Worship, and it is absolutely beautiful! (By the way, they’re on Spotify, too, if you’d like to listen to more of their stuff.) I’ve included a link to their rendition at the bottom of today’s post but here are the lyrics for your convenience, including a traditional third verse (at least in Ireland!) you may never have heard before.

So, set back and let it flow over you. Let it refresh you in this dry and weary land!

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art

High King of Heaven, my victory won
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun
|Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all

Oct 27th, 2021, Wed, 7:01 pm