Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Jesus I am Resting, Resting....

I am, most unashamedly a huge fan of Praise Baby music. These are the sweetest renditions of some of my very favorite hymns and praise and worship music ever!

My current favorite hymn~ the tune more recently rewritten as a praise and worship song is "Jesus I am Resting, Resting." Please tell me that you are familiar with this dear song!

In it, Jean Sophia Pigott artfully reminds us of the need to rest in Jesus... being confident of His watchcare over us.

I believe that I first heard this song after a very traumatic incident in our family's life when we were the target of several drive-by shootings. Three of the rounds fired at our house only missed sleeping children by a matter of feet. I hope to share that story (which is really one of God's faithfulness) and my learning to trust Him, in another post. The Lord used this hymn to minister on a very deep level to me during that time. And now I find myself returning to the truths contained therein quite often. The children are quite used to hearing me sing this.

Apparently this hymn was dear to Hudson Taylor, the founder of China Inland Mission, also. It is told that at one time dangerous riots were taking place near the missionary compound. One of the newer missionaries frantically reported the dire news to Hudson. Much to his irritation, Hudson merely responded by humming this hymn. He gently reminded the younger man that choosing to be alarmed rather than trusting the Lord would only serve to keep others from seeking God and resting in His provisions. Isn't that true? Oh, to always rest calmly "in the joy of what Thou art..."

Here are the lyrics for you....

Jesus I am Resting, Resting

Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.

Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.

O, how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea!
O, how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.

Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart;
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings:
Thine is love indeed!

Ever lift Thy face upon me
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting ’neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory,
Sunshine of my Father’s face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting,
Fill me with Thy grace.


Here is a link to hear the song on iTunes... click here to listen, and be blessed! I believe that you need a copy of iTunes (which is a free download) for the link to work. I am still learning how to post music here.


All of God's grace to you, my friends,

as you rest in Him.

Susan


3 comments:

  1. Thanks be to God that none of the children suffered injury...I prayed right away when I saw what you wrote. I don't remember who said this, but I agree that "when you sing, you pray twice".
    God bless you abundantly,
    Marcy

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  2. Definitely on the top of my favorites list. I'm so glad God spared all of you from tragedy. I usually only have a few minutes to read some of your past posts, but they always encourage me. I will be glad when we can meet face to face on earth or in heaven, singing praises to our Mighty King! It is fun to share so many things together.

    Susan

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  3. I love that hymn too! It would be pretty playing in the background on your blog -- or mine! ;)

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