The United Methodist Hymn 452, was written by  Ray Palmer after he had just graduated from Yale College in 1830. In his own words, Palmer said “I gave form to what I felt, by writing, with little effort, the stanzas. I recollect I wrote them with very tender emotion and ended the last line with tears.” Palmer’s state of being while he wrote this hymn signified a person who had a true conviction about his revelation of Jesus Christ in his life and how he lived his life bearing in his heart and mind that Jesus Christ is his Lord, Savior and everything he needed to live this life on this side of glory.

Beloved in Christ, let’s us ponder on the lyrics of this hymn and allow it to minister to us. As I reflect on this hymn I find Ray Palmer drawing us into his journey in life.  A journey which is entirely committed, submitted and lived for God through it all.

Here I share how I break the song into these four stages of life journey and how we can cling to our Lord Jesus Christ as we press on through these stages.

Beginning of the Journey

1 My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
take all my guilt away;
O let me from this day
be wholly Thine.

The life of a believer is one of faith without which we cannot see (experience) God. We start the journey surrendering all to God and ask God to make us whole, righteousness in Christ, and fully take charge of our lives (Galatians 2:20).

The Climb of the Journey

2 May Thy rich grace impart
strength to my fainting heart,
my zeal inspire;
as Thou hast died for me,
O may my love to Thee
pure, warm, and changeless be,
a living fire.

As we climb or press on the path to living for Christ, we remember the words of Paul to Timothy, 2nd Timothy 2:3 (endurance of hardships of life). We seek God’s grace so rich that saved us to also continue to keep and strengthen us that we may continue to abide in Him. Passion to live zealously for Jesus against all odds of life.

The Climax of Life

3 While life’s dark maze I tread,
and griefs around me spread,
be Thou my guide;
bid darkness turn to day,
wipe sorrow’s tears away,
nor let me ever stray
from Thee aside.

In the times, when the hardships and troubles worsen, we still call on God who reminds us that Romans 8:18″ …the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” We pray and hold on to God’s grace and faithfulness that nothing will separate us from God. We will not be overcome neither by temptations or trials, He that we have committed ourselves unto is able to keep us. God never let me stray but always abiding in You.

Ready to go home

4 When ends life’s transient dream,
when death’s cold, sullen stream
shall o’er me roll,
blest Savior, then in love,
fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above,
a ransomed soul.

Finally, when the time comes to leave this side of glory, let us continue to hold onto our faith that we are yours and leave this side of glory to abide with You eternally.

Beloved in Christ, I entreat us to deeply search within to ponder on your relationship with Jesus Christ. Can we cling to Christ through it all and hold on until that day? It is my prayer that the Spirit of God continues to guide and guard us to live our lives fully and wholly for Christ Jesus, trusting that God is able to keep us always. And as always remember that Jesus Christ dearly loves with an everlasting love because He gave His life that you may have eternal life. Stay blessed 🙂