An old hymn (sung to a much newer tune) was shared as special music this morning in church and it especially resonated with me today. I had been praying for rest, peace, and God's strength for a friend last night and this song seemed especially "timely." As I pondered the words of the song, one thought kept coming to mind-- that "finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart" encompasses a vast range of experiences. Sometimes we experience God's love in joyful circumstances and moments. At other times, however, he walks with us through deep sorrow and uncertainty. Much happens in my life that I cannot understand this side of heaven, but, looking back I can see that I have a richer walk with Christ having experienced his presence in both joyful times and difficult times. I firmly believe that scripture places great value upon suffering but none of us wants to sign up for these lessons and we hurt when our friends experience them, also. So, to those in my circle who are currently hurting and looking to the day when they rejoice again, I offer these lyrics to ponder. May I also be faithful to uphold you guys in prayer.
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 has bid me gaze upon Thee, and Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy tranforming power, Thou hast made me whole.
Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art,
I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
Oh, how great Thy loving kindness--vaster, broader than the sea.
Oh, 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 pomise, and have made it mine.
Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art.
I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love--so pure, so changless--satisfies my heart,
Satisfies its deepest longing, meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me 'round with blessings; Thine is love, indeed.
Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art.
I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
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.
Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art.
I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
After the worship service, I sat near the piano as Amy, Andrea, and David worked on this song some more before the second service. This lilting arrangement was played by guitar, violin, and piano. It was a blessing to hear David sing these words so sincerely because we have grieved much over the death of his son last July. I listened, prayed, and cried (I find I do well these days with weeping "with those who weep." Romans 12:15). It was a good experience in a messy, painful sort of way.
Researching this old hymn on the Internet, I found the words attributed to Jean S. Pigott (1845-1882) and the common tune in hymnals is identified as "Tranquility" and attributed to James Mountain. The arrangement I heard today was by
David Hampton (copyright 1998 New Spring ASCAP). This hymn was also identified by one individual as a hymn China missionary Hudson Taylor would sing to himself when he couldn't sleep at night, although I cannot attest to the veracity of this assertion.
