The words for this song came from Miller’s father as a
declaration of faith when he was saved from alcoholism. Miller heard her father
preach the words “I’d rather have Jesus” and those words prompted her to write
the poem.
Miller grew up in Brooktondale, New York. Her father, Martin
Ross, was a drunk and wanted nothing to do with religion. Her mother, Bertha,
was faithful to God. She was firm in her
faith, and her steadfastness broke through the walls her husband had isolated
himself with. He surrendered to the wooing of God’s spirit and was wonderfully
delivered from the awful bondage of sin. As a result, he entered the ministry
and became pastor of the Baptist Church in Brooktondale.
Rhea Miller was the wife of Dr. H. V. Miller, one of the
General Superintendents of the Church of The Nazarene. After her husband’s
death, Mrs. Miller taught piano and traveled all around the area in her little
gray Nash coupe.
She had a special mission in life and that was to get into
pastors’ homes and teach their kids how to play the piano so they would have
something to contribute to the church when they became adults. She would offer
to teach these kids for free and hope to make up the difference with her other
students.
She was a very inspirational woman and made a deep impact
upon many lives. She was very positive, always smiling, full of encouragement,
and always enthusiastic.
George Beverly Shea was born into the home of fine Christian
parents in Ontario, Canada, in 1909. His father was a minister of the gospel,
and his mother was a strong spiritual and musical influence in his life.
His musical talent was recognized by many when he was young.
He sang regularly in his father’s church. He attended Houghton College in New
York but had to leave after one year because of family financial problems.
But that did not stop him from singing. He continued to sing
in churches and for Christian radio programs, which led to the unexpected offer
of an audition in New York City. He was offered a substantial salary and wide
recognition for this secular singing position and prayed long and hard whether to accept. He thoughtfully turned them down to become a
singing servant for our Savior.
He allowed the words to this hymn to guide and direct him as
a young man. In 1944 he teamed up with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Crusades
and has sung about Jesus all over the world.
Shea tells this story about the hymn: “Once again Mother, my
musical guardian, had a part. A lover of beauty, be it a flower, a bird, a
poem, an ennobling quotation, whatever, Mother was a collector. She loved to
share poetry and she always had some verse in hand copied from a book or
clipped from a magazine.
“It was her practice of leaving such writings on the piano
music rack which led to my writing the music for ‘I’d Rather Have Jesus’ when I
was twenty years old. The same Sunday morning I read those wonderful words for
the first time, I used the song that morning in my father’s
church service.
“Of course, Mrs. Miller is the catalyst. Without her
inspiring lyrics, there would have been no song. Over the years, I’ve not sung
any song more than ‘I’d Rather Have Jesus,’ but I never tire of Mrs. Miller’s heartfelt
words.”
Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: There is joy and satisfaction of spirit, only in getting wisdom. A sincerely religious man keeps at a distance from every appearance of evil. Happy is the man that walks in Christ and is led by the Spirit of Christ.
Bibleref.com: David continues his wise counsel by telling his audience to put their confidence in the Lord and do what is right. Those concepts are inseparable: trusting God and obeying Him go hand in hand. The book of James was written to teach that legitimate faith leads to related works.
Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: I have chosen the way of truth; among all the paths of life I have selected this. I prefer this. I desire to walk in this. Religion is, wherever it exists, a matter of preference or choice; and the friend of God prefers His service to the service of the world . . . I have set them before my mind as the guide of my conduct; I have made their observance the end and aim of my life.
Studylight.org, Contending for the Faith: The implication is recognized when he erupts in thanksgiving to God. Paul . . . expresses the positive side of “triumph” where Christ leads him in triumph . . . Paul gives praise and glory to God for all successful conversions and restorations attributed to him by his preaching the gospel.
Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: The Spirit which guides those who trust in Thee; the Spirit with which “Thou” dost guide people. That Spirit is wise, prudent, judicious, reliable. It will not lead astray. Grant me “that” Spirit, and I shall be certain that I am going in the right path.
Biblestudytools.com, John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible: Let Thy good Spirit lead me into the land of uprightness either into a right land where honesty prevails, and honest and upright men live; or, through a plain way, easy to be found, in which he should not err, and where would be no occasion of stumbling, or through the way of life; the way to eternal life, to heaven and happiness; the land where only truly righteous and upright persons dwell: such will be the new heaven and the new earth, as well as the ultimate state of glory; and to this the Spirit of God is the leader and guide of His people.
Christianity.com, Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary: A good man does not ask the way in which is the most pleasant walking, but what is the right way. Not only show me what Thy will is but teach me how to do it. Those who have the Lord for their God, have His Spirit for their Guide; they are led by the Spirit. He prays that he might be enlivened to do God’s will. But we should especially seek the destruction of our sins, our worst enemies, that we may be devotedly God’s servants.
Enduringword.com, David Guzik: Paul repeated a theme often used, challenging Timothy to distinguish between what comes from God (that which was committed to your trust), and what comes from man (idle babblings); and to guard against becoming enamored with what comes from man . . . Paul had confidence in Timothy, and he did trust him. Yet Paul also knew how great the power of seduction is, and how high the stakes are--so he warned, and warned, and warned again. . . Guard what was committed to your trust: The gospel is a trust committed to pastors like Timothy; but also, to all believers. And when that trust is broken, some have strayed concerning the faith. We must do all that we can to keep this trust.
Studylight.org, Dr. Constable’s Expository Notes: When the Christian appreciates this grace, it teaches him or her to deny ungodliness, the root problem, and worldly passions, the manifestation of the root problem. These passions are the desires that unbelievers find so appealing but which are not in harmony with God’s character . . . It instructs us positively to live sensibly; self-controlled inwardly, righteously, morally upright outwardly, and godly; reverently upwardly in this age.
George Beverly Shea, in his book, “How Sweet the Sound,” shared these words
when he found the poem on the piano rack in his home: “As I read these precious
words, I found myself singing the words in a melody that expressed the feelings
of my heart. What a joy it was to sing with fervent voice in the key of B-flat.
Soon a mother’s arms were around my shoulders. She had been in the next room
having her devotions and now, joining me at the piano, there were tears in her
eyes. She knew the words were having the desired effect—they were speaking to
me about life’s choices.”
