Lover of my Soul

Psalm 17:6-8

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words. Wondrously show your steadfast love, O savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. Guard me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.

Jesus, lover of my soul

Jesus, lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll, While the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide, Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide; Oh, receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none, Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, ah! leave me not alone, Still support and comfort me.
All my trust on Thee is stayed, All my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head With the shadow of Thy wing.

Wilt Thou not regard my call? Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?
Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall— Lo! on Thee I cast my care.
Reach me out Thy gracious hand! While I of Thy strength receive,
Hoping against hope I stand, Dying, and behold, I live.

Thou, O Christ, art all I want, More than all in Thee I find;
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, Heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is Thy Name, Source of all true righteousness;
Thou art evermore the same, Thou art full of truth and grace.

Plenteous grace with Thee is found, Grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound; Make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art, Freely let me take of Thee;
Spring Thou up within my heart; Rise to all eternity.

Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

             One year after his conversion to Christianity, Charles Wesley wrote this, likely the most famous of his 6000 hymns.  Three years before its writing he was on a Trans-Atlantic crossing when a great storm broke out. The ship took on water, threatening to sink. He and other passengers were forced to man the pumps to prevent the ship from foundering.  To pass the time they sang hymns and prayed.  He later wrote. “when the storm hits its peak, I prayed, and a strange hope overcame me”.  After the storm ended, he spoke to another passenger about his feelings. He helped him to understand that God apparently had a great purpose for his life. “I resolved in that moment to live my life under the shadow of His wings!” Wesley wrote. This hymn recalled that experience and His commitment.

 Prayer:  O Lord, during difficult moments we often despair saying there is nothing left to do but pray.  In such moments enable us to see your hand at work in our despair that we hear your call. Amen

 A YouTube video of this hymn by Fernando Ortega: