Be Thou my Vision
Posted: Tuesday, September 22, 2009
by Jean Purcell
OpineBooks.com
"Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light."
This first verse of an old Irish hymn connects with deep things of God. Vision, heart, all, thoughts, always, God's presence, light-each word relates to God who is worthy of all our faith, however small its measure may be, through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Faith implies belief moving and active, continually seeking to draw closer to the living Lord. Jesus is alive. Faith seeks to grow and to become established, free of any wavering or doubt. It is a life's work of grace, for God gives such faith.
The verse is a prayer: "Lord of my heart, be my Vision." He gives divine sight, sight to be used. To echo the command that drew Charles H. Spurgeon to new life:
"Look up! Look up!"
Look up from worries, distractions, and self-concerns. Meditate on Jesus. A cross stands over the world, the Cross of Jesus. It signifies the supreme and perfect love of God.
Keep looking up, dear fellow pilgrim of the Lord. Look upon Him who loves thee, as the ancients would say. Look upon your beloved Lord, who cares for you.
Be our Vision, Lord, and hold us attentive and close.
Thou art All to us.
By night and day, Thou our best Thought,
Asleep or awake, we have Thy light
To shine in the dark nights of the soul.
Amen.
Source of verse: Cyberhymnal.org_Words: Attributed to Dallan Forgaill, 8th Century ( Rob tu mo bhoile, a Comdi cride); translated from ancient Irish to English by Mary E. Byrne, in "Eri," Journal of the School of Irish Learning , 1905, and versed by Eleanor H. Hull, 1912, alt.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)You did it again Jean! Stirred my heart, quickened my spirit and challenged my mind. God bless you sister!Thanks be to God who helps us.
God bless you.
~Jean
Jean ~ thanks for this piece that added to my Quiet Time AFTER my QT! It reflects your gentle spirit and His Spirit within you! MarijoGod bless you, Marijo, through every blessing of salvation in Christ.~Jean
A devotional piece delivered to my heart by the Spirit who inspired it. Thanks, Jean, for helping to draw me closer to my Redeemer for a clearer vision of Him, of life, and of everything that is worth seeing. Stay blessed-:) ~mogama~Praise to God, our Savior and Friend. ~Jean
Beautifully and wonderfully expressed, Jean.Ken, God's blessings of salvation to you always as you continue to "Look up!"~Jean
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