Glory Is Certain

Glory is Certain — Hymnicity from Hymnicity on Vimeo.

This song presents a triumphant, even defiant view of life, death, and affliction. Henry Lyte understood the function of trials in the believer’s life. 2 Timothy 3:12 declares that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” and James 1:2 encourages us to “consider it all joy when you encounter various trials.” Instead of worrying when trials loom over us, we should rejoice because it is the very evidence that God is at work in us. But even though we are instructed to take joy in trials, we are still to long to be free from sin and its effects. Verse two reminds us not to seek comfort from our trials in this world but in the next – the city where we have permanent residency, heaven. It is possible to have so much confidence in our destination because of our union with Christ that we can even taunt Satan and his army. As the song says “so let Satan’s army assail me full force.” The amazing truth is that even Satan’s plans to destroy us serve at the pleasure of the sovereign Lord of all who orchestrates every circumstance to bring us closer to glory. And the certainty of that glory is found in our union with Christ, that we have died with Him and are hidden in Him (Colossians 3).

Lyrics

Verse 1:
My rest is in heaven, my rest is not here,
Then why do I worry when trials are near!
Be hushed my dark spirit, the worst that can come
But shortens your journey, and hastens you home.

Verse 2:
I dare not be seeking my comfort and bliss,
Or building my hopes in a place such as this;
I look for the city God promised and built,
Where Jesus has banished my sin and its guilt.

Chorus:
I have died to this world, and am hidden with Christ
So my mind will be set on this:
Glory is certain, for Christ is in me,
Glory is certain, for Christ is in me.

Verse 3:
Afflictions may press me but cannot destroy,
One glimpse of His love turns them all into joy;
The tears of a lifetime will vanish away
When He stoops to dry them on that coming day.

Verse 4:
So let Satan's army assail me full force;
Their plans cannot help but to steady my course.
Come joys or come sorrows, whate'er may befall
An hour with my Savior will sweeten them all.

 

Words by Henry Lyte (1793-1847) and David Ward. Music by David L. Ward.
© 2006 Hymnicity
CCLI Song #4922722