This classic hymn by Charles Wesley describes the intimacy that Jesus offers us in our relationship with Him. Christianity is not simply a religion, that is, is not a set of moral or ethical codes to follow. Nor is it simply a set of beliefs that one must adopt. At its core, it is about having a personal and intimate relationship with a savior, namely Jesus. It is turning away from all of the things we hold most dear, whether they are sinful behaviors or our most treasured possessions, and embracing to Jesus as our true and ultimate treasure. Wesley found Jesus to be his great “lover,” his shelter in the time of difficulty, his support and comfort, his healer, encourager, and his only source of grace. As we sing such hymns to Jesus, may we grow to love Him more and more with our hearts, minds, souls, and strength.
LyricsVerse 1:
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 Savior, hide,
Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide;
O, receive my soul at last!
O, receive my soul at last!
Verse 2:
Other refuge have I none;
Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, ah! leave me not alone,
Still support and comfort me:
My trust on Thee is stayed;
All my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head
With the shadow of Thy wing,
With the shadow of Thy wing.
Verse 3:
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.
Holy is Thy name, I am all unrighteousness,
False, and full of sin I am,
Thou art full of truth and grace,
Thou art full of truth and grace.
Verse 4:
Plenteous grace with Thee is found,
Grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound,
Make and keep me pure within.
Fountain of life Thou art,
Freely let me take of Thee;
Spring up within my heart,
Rise to all eternity,
Rise to all eternity.
Words by Charles Wesley (1707-88), Adapted by Craig Johnson. Music by Craig Johnson.
© 2005 CraigMac Music, admin by HymnicityCCLI Song #7037446
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 Savior, hide,
Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide;
O, receive my soul at last!
O, receive my soul at last!
Verse 2:
Other refuge have I none;
Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, ah! leave me not alone,
Still support and comfort me:
My trust on Thee is stayed;
All my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head
With the shadow of Thy wing,
With the shadow of Thy wing.
Verse 3:
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.
Holy is Thy name, I am all unrighteousness,
False, and full of sin I am,
Thou art full of truth and grace,
Thou art full of truth and grace.
Verse 4:
Plenteous grace with Thee is found,
Grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound,
Make and keep me pure within.
Fountain of life Thou art,
Freely let me take of Thee;
Spring up within my heart,
Rise to all eternity,
Rise to all eternity.
© 2005 CraigMac Music, admin by Hymnicity