The Words Say It All

 As I've written before on this blog, part of my morning devotions is reading hymns from a hymnal. Starting at the beginning of the hymnal, I read a hymn each morning. There's so many that I've never heard of before, and I enjoy reading the words.

The other morning I came upon O Jesus, I have Promised and was thrilled by the words! They expressed my heart's intent perfectly. He is the guardian of my soul!

O Jesus, I Have Promised

“Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.” Luke 18:28

Words: John E. Bode, 1816-1874

Music: Arthur H Mann, 1850-1929

O Jesus, I have promised To serve Thee to the end;

Be Thou forever near me, My Master and my friend;

I shall not fear the battle If Thou art by my side,

Nor wander from the pathway If Thou wilt be my guide.

O Jesus, Thou hast promised To all who follow Thee,

That where Thou art in glory, There shall Thy servant be;

And Jesus, I have promised To serve Thee to the end;

O give me grace to follow My Master and my friend!

O let me feel Thee near me! The world is ever near;

I see the sights that dazzle, The tempting sounds I hear;

My foes are ever near me, Around me and within;

But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer And shield my soul from sin.

O let me hear Thee speaking In accents clear and still,

Above the storms of passion, The murmurs of self will

O speak to reassure me, To hasten or control!

O speak, and make me listen, Thou guardian of my soul!

 Is that your heart's intent? As followers of Jesus, the living Lord, He must be everything to you.

      “We may with the greatest assurance

depend upon God for the safety of his church.”

        Matthew Henry