Revive Us Again

The following story for this hymn study is provided from hymncharts.com:

“The story of William MacKay and ‘Revive Us Again’ is more than just a piece of hymnological history; it is a narrative of redemption, a demonstration of the transformative power of God’s Word, and a call to revival that transcends time and circumstance.

“Born in 1839, William Paton MacKay was raised in a spiritual environment by his devoutly Christian mother. Despite this foundation, his transition to the University of Edinburgh to study medicine at the age of seventeen marked the beginning of a departure from the principles he was raised on. The pressures and temptations of academic life may have led him down a path of heavy drinking and moral decline, to the point where he even pawned the very Bible his mother had given him as a keepsake and spiritual guide.

“MacKay’s professional life as a doctor brought him face-to-face with human suffering and the stark differences between those who had faith in Jesus Christ and those who did not. Despite recognizing these differences, MacKay continued on a path that he feared would lead him to become a ‘thorough infidel.’ However, the course of his life was irrevocably altered by an encounter with a young mason’s helper who was brought into the emergency room with life-threatening injuries. Here is his testimony in his own words:

“My dear mother… had been a godly, pious woman, quite often telling me of the Savior, and many times I had been a witness to her wrestling in prayer for my soul’s salvation. But nothing had made a deep impression on me. The older I grew the more wicked I became….

“One day a seriously injured (laborer)… was brought into the hospital. The case was hopeless…. He seemed to realize his condition, for he was fully conscious, and asked me how long he would last…. I gave him my opinion in as cautious a manner as I could….

“’Have you any relatives whom we could notify?’ I continued. The patient shook his head…. His only wish was to see his landlady, because he owed her a small sum, and also wished to bid her farewell. He also requested his landlady send him, ‘The Book.’

“I went to see him on my regular visits at least once a day. What struck me most was the quiet, almost happy expression constantly on his face…. After the man died, some things about the deceased’s affairs were to be attended to in my presence.

“’What shall we do with this?’ asked the nurse, holding up a book in her hand. ‘What kind of book is it?’ I asked. ‘The Bible of the poor man…. As long as he was able to read it, he did so, and when he was unable to do so anymore, he kept it under his bed cover.’

“I took the Bible and—could I trust my eyes? It was my own Bible! The Bible which my mother had given me when I left my parents’ home, and which later, when short of money, I sold for a small amount. My name was still in it, written in my mother’s hand….

“With a deep sense of shame I looked upon… the precious Book. It had given comfort and refreshing to the unfortunate man in his last hours. It had been a guide to him into eternal life, so that he had been enabled to die in peace and happiness. And this Book, the last gift of my mother, I had actually sold for a ridiculous price….

“Be it sufficient to say that the regained possession of my Bible was the cause of my conversion.”

During the 1860s there were a lot of hymns that came out of Scotland that continue to bless us to this day and the present hymn is one of those that was composed during that time.

This period followed what has come to be known as the “Third Great Awakening.” This was in reference to the great revival that occurred in Scotland in 1959 – 1860 following the ministry of evangelists Charles Grandson Finney and Edward Payson Hammond.

This hymn was one of the favorites of Ira D. Sankey who led the music during Dwight L. Moody evangelistic meetings in the 1870s.

It was also a favorite of the Billy Graham evangelistic crusades led by Cliff Barrows. During the crusades, when it came to the refrain, one side of the audience would sing “hallelujah” and the other side would sing “Thine the glory,” and so forth until you reach the final phrase “Revive us again” which was sung in unison.

Verse One

“We praise Thee, O God, for the Son of Thy love,

For Jesus who died and is now gone above.”

Romans 15:11

“And again, ‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.’”

Scripturesavvy.com: The instruction to “praise the Lord” is powerful. Praise is a form of worship and is vital for spiritual health. When we praise God, we shift our focus away from our worries and problems to the majesty and sovereignty of God. This act of worship is deeply transformative. It helps us remember that no matter the struggles we face, God is in control and worthy of our adoration.

Ephesians 1:3

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

Enduringword.com: Paul called for a blessing upon the Father (in the sense of recognizing His glory and honor and goodness), because the Father has already blessed the believer with every spiritual blessing.

Verse Two

“We praise thee, O God, for thy Spirit of light,

Who has shown us our Savior and scattered our night.”

John 1:5

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Scripturesavvy.com: John 1:5 provides a profound statement about the nature of light and darkness. The phrase “The light shines in the darkness” symbolizes Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world, illuminating the path to salvation, truth, and righteousness. Darkness often represents sin, ignorance, and despair. This contrast delineates the battle between good and evil, highlighting Jesus’ role in overcoming spiritual darkness. The assertion that “the darkness has not overcome it” reassures us of the ultimate victory of light over darkness, comfort yielding hope and encouragement . . . When Jesus declares Himself as “the light of the world” (John 8:12), He asserts His role in dispelling the darkness of sin and bringing people into the light of truth and salvation. When we accept this light into our lives, we experience renewal and transformation. In Him, we find our purpose and direction.

Verse Three

“All glory and praise to the Lamb that was slain,

Who has borne all our sins and has cleansed ev’ry stain.”

1 Peter 2:24

“He himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by His wounds you have been healed.”

Godsbless.ing: This verse encapsulates the core message of Christianity – the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. It speaks of Jesus willingly taking on the burden of our sins and offering Himself on the cross to bring healing and redemption to humanity. Through His ultimate act of love and sacrifice, Jesus bore the weight of our wrongdoing, leading us to a path of repentance and righteousness. The mention of being healed by His wounds symbolizes the spiritual healing and restoration that believers receive through Christ’s suffering and resurrection.

Verse Four

“Revive us again – fill each heart with Thy love;

May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.”

Psalm 80:18

“Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on Your name.”

Enduringword.com: “Only the Lord can ‘revive’ the people by forgiveness of their sins, by renewal of the covenant, and by driving out the enemies. This is not merely a prayer for deliverance from the enemy but an urgent petition for the blessings of God.” (VanGemeren)

Scripturesavvy.com: Revival implies a renewal and rekindling of what once was vibrant and alive in our faith. It reflects the idea that while we may stray, God’s grace and mercy are always present, inviting us back into a loving relationship. It reminds us that we are never too far from God’s reach; He desires for us to come home.

Refrain

"Hallelujah, thine the glory!

Hallelujah, Amen!

Hallelujah, thine the glory!

Revive us again.”

Psalm 85:6

“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”

Blueletterbible.org: This is a simple and wonderful prayer for revival. It recognizes that revival is not man-made but given by God. Yet it also recognizes that one may and should pray for revival, and pray with godly expectation . . . This prayer for revival “…implies that the people were alive once, have died in a spiritual sense, and now need to be given spiritual life again. This is what the church almost always needs, and it is how revivals come.” (Boice)

Scripturesavvy.com: The verse presents a sincere request from the people, expressing their desire to be rejuvenated by God’s presence. This is a profound cry, revealing the deep yearning within us for a renewed strength in our faith and spiritual vitality. The desire to rejoice in God highlights the connection between revival and joy. When we feel spiritually alive and close to God, our joy increases. It is not merely a request for physical blessings or prosperity, but a longing for a deep, transformative experience with the divine.

At its core, “Revive Us Again” is a testament to the enduring need for personal and communal revival in the Christian life. Based on Habakkuk 3:2, the hymn marries awe at the Lord’s mighty deeds with a heartfelt plea for spiritual renewal. MacKay’s hymn remains a poignant reminder of the power of faith and the continual need for God’s grace in our lives.

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

Hymncharts.com

Enjoyingthejourney.org

Christianmusicandhymns.com

 By His Grace . . .

Little is Much When God is In It

There are two interesting stories behind this hymn which was written by Kittie Suffield. The first is written by John Pearson as published on Godreports.com:

“The first time I heard the song, ‘Little Is Much When God Is in It,’ I was stunned by the powerful lyrics and music. But there’s much, much more to tell you about this poignant song.

“Pastor Marion McCandless, my next-door neighbor, shared ‘the rest of the story’ with me recently. Though now retired at age 91, he colorfully described the setting to me as if it were yesterday.

“In 1957, while pastoring Midway City Church of the Nazarene in Southern California, the denomination’s district superintendent asked Pastor ‘Mac’ to drive to Pasadena for a pastoral visit with an elderly couple. They had served faithfully as traveling evangelists for years and years. ‘Encourage and thank them,’ was the assignment.

“Fred and Kittie Suffield warmly welcomed Pastor McCandless into their home and seemed to appreciate his visit. Granted, the visit was just one of thousands of routine pastoral calls that Pastor Mac made during his 33 years at Midway City Church. But there was nothing routine about this visit.

“When it was time for Pastor McCandless to leave, he began to pray a blessing over this dedicated husband and wife. He didn’t know all the details of their ministry nor their devoted years of faithful service, but he knew that God knew.

“As Pastor McCandless prayed, he sensed the Holy Spirit’s nudge to include this verse from the gospel song, ‘Little Is Much When God Is in It.’ He ended his prayer:

“’Does the place you’re called to labor Seem so small and little known? It is great if God is in it, And he’ll not forget his own.’

“’Little is much when God is in it; Labor not for wealth or fame. There’s a crown, and you can win it If you’ll go in Jesus’ name. Amen.’

“Kittie Suffield opened her eyes and Pastor McCandless remembers, ‘Her eyes twinkled!” ’She looked into his eyes and asked, ‘Do you like that song?’

“Pastor McCandless smiled and said, ‘I love that song! Why do you ask?’

“Kittie responded, ‘The Lord led me to write that song in 1924 and now you’re here today—33 years later—and you included those lyrics in your prayer. Oh, my.’

“Pastor McCandless couldn’t believe what he had just heard. He thought about the goodness of God. He told me that he was so sobered—and so humbled—that the Lord would give him the privilege of being a blessing to Fred and Kittie Suffield that day.

“And Pastor McCandless also told me he has never stopped telling this miracle story of ‘The Prayer in Pasadena!’”

Another wonderful story tells how Fred and Kittie met and told how they met George Beverly Shea. It is told in the book "Then Sings My Soul" by Robert J. Morgan:

"One snow-blanketed night, Canadian Fred Suffield awoke to an urgent pounding on his door. A half-frozen man reported that a train had stalled in the blizzard, and the passengers were in danger of freezing to death. Lighting a lantern, Fred followed the man to the site and led the travelers back to his house. Later one of the passengers, Kittie, wrote a thank you note. Fred replied, and Kittie wrote back. Their correspondence led to courtship and to marriage.

"Some time later, Fred and Kittie attended a church in Ottawa pastored by Rev. A. J. Shea, and there they gave their lives to the Lord. As the couple grew in Christ, they entered the ministry of evangelism. One summer they invited Shea's teenage son, George Beverly, to spend a month with them in Westport, Ontario, holding evangelistic meetings. One night, accompanied by Kittie on the piano, Bev attempted to sing, but his voice cracked on the high notes, and he sat down mortified, vowing never to sing again. 

"Kittie wouldn't hear of it, suggesting he sing in a lower key. He did, and he kept on singing, and singing and singing.

"Many years passed, and in June of 2000, Billy Graham came to Nashville, Tennessee, for a four-night mission. At a reception for the Graham team before the meetings began, George Beverly Shea, 92 at the time, rose to sing. His rich baritone voice broke into a song that had been written 73 years before by Kittie: 'Little is Much When God Is in It.'

"I thought it a strange choice of hymn. We were on the verge of the greatest evangelistic effort in Nashville's history, headlined by the most famous evangelist in the world. And Bev Shea's song was about the littleness of our efforts. But later I realized how perfectly the song fit. Compared to this great mission to untold multitudes, our own individual ministries seemed small and insignificant. But God uses little things in great ways. A tiny acorn may produce a forest. A spark may ignite a revival. A small church might produce the next far-famed evangelist.

"Don't be discouraged if your place seems small. You're doing more good than you know." 

Verse One

“In the harvest field now ripened,

There's a work for all to do,

Hark, the voice of God is calling,

To the harvest calling you.”

 2 Timothy 1:9

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”

Godsbless.ing: This verse reminds us of the incredible gift of salvation that we have received from God. It emphasizes that our salvation and calling to live a holy life are not earned through our own actions or good works, but are freely given to us by God out of His grace and love. This is a powerful reminder that our relationship with God is not based on performance or merit, but on His sovereign will and purpose for our lives.

Dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com: And because we have been saved spirit, soul, and body we have a holy calling. We are called to be holy, called to be spiritual, called to be set apart unto God, and called to live a godly life that is well-pleasing to Him. This is His will and purpose for all who are born from above, and it is ALL by grace . . . God saved us and called us to live a holy life and He did this, not because we deserved it, but because this was His plan from before the beginning of time. He did to show us His grace.

 Verse Two

“Does the place you're called to labor,

Seems so small and little known?

It is great if God is in it,

And He'll not forget His own.”

1 Corinthians 3:8

“The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.”

Scripturesavvy.com, The imagery of planting and watering reflects the collaborative nature of ministry. We are reminded that each person contributes to God’s work, whether by planting seeds of faith or watering them to encourage growth. The principle here is simple yet profound: though different roles exist within the Church, all labor is valued equally. Each effort, big or small, plays a crucial part in the overall mission God has given us . . . In essence, Paul is saying that no task is insignificant in God’s eyes. Whether we are sharing the Gospel with someone for the first time, teaching children in Sunday school, or praying for others, each of these efforts contributes to the Kingdom of God. Everyone will be rewarded based on their faithfulness in these tasks. This encourages us to be diligent and joyful in our service, knowing that God sees our hearts and recognizes our contributions to His purpose.

Verse 3

“When the conflict here is ended,

And our race on earth is run;

He will say if we are faithful,

Welcome home, My child well done.”

2 Timothy 4:7 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Godsbless.ing: Have you ever faced challenges or obstacles in your life that have tested your perseverance and faith? This verse serves as a reminder that endurance and staying true to your beliefs, values, and goals are vital in overcoming difficulties and achieving your ultimate purpose. It encourages us to stay committed to our faith and values, even when faced with adversity or temptation.

Versebyversecommentary.com: The Christian life is a war, and believers are its warriors going forth to battle. We are warriors who are faithful to what the Bible says . . . Many are unaware that Satan is waging a war with them. That war centers on the defense of the truth . . . If we allow Him, the Captain of our soul will help us win the battle. He calls upon us to fight the satanic war against us. We may lose battles, but we do not have to lose the war.

Thebiblesays.com: Paul made clear that if we do not endure in faithfulness, we will not receive the reward of reigning with Christ. This is the best part of the reward of the inheritance, which Jesus will give to those who live their lives as unto the Lord . . . As a result of having endured to the end, Paul is confident that in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.

Chorus

“Little is much when God is in it,

Labor not for wealth or fame;

There's a crown and you can win it,

If you go in Jesus' name.”

2 Timothy 4:8

“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Studylight.org, Clarke’s Commentary: This I can claim as my due; but the crown I expect is not one of fading leaves, but a crown of righteousness; the reward which God, in his kindness, has promised to them who are faithful to the grace he has bestowed upon them.

Enduringword.com: Some people wonder if we will walk around heaven with crowns on, and everyone will notice who has the bigger and better crowns. But in the elders surrounding the throne of God take their crowns and cast them before Jesus – giving any trophy they have received right back to Jesus.

Versebyversecommentary.com: The Lord will reward believers according to their service. Believers who served the Lord will have an opportunity to cast their crown in worship before the Lord.

In the fast-paced world, we live in today, where achievements are measured in grand gestures and material abundance, the ageless message of the old gospels offers a calming refuge . . . This song, with its profound Christian perspective, reminds us that the power of faith and the touch of the divine can transform even the smallest of gestures into significant acts of love and compassion . . . When we offer our efforts, no matter how small, with pure intentions and a humble heart, God can use them in miraculous ways, touching the lives of others and transforming our own hearts in the process.

I am indebted to the following resources:

Christianmusicandhymns.com

Godreports.com

Journeyoffaith11.blogspot.com

Thebiblicaltruth.com

By His Grace . . .

Trust and Obey

 

One night in an evangelistic meeting, an unknown man stood and said these words: “I’m not quite sure. But I’m going to trust and I’m going to obey.” Whoever that man is he opened the door for this powerful and strong hymn to be written.

The simple words of faith struck the soul of song leader, Pastor Daniel Towner. Quickly he jotted down the sentence. Afterward, Pastor Towner wrote a letter to his friend, Pastor John H. Sammis, giving a quick report of the young man’s testimony and the stirring words he had said.

As soon as Pastor Sammis read his friend’s letter, he realized the testimony was perfect for a hymn. First came the refrain: “Trust and obey for there’s no other way, To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

Daniel Brink Towner was an American composer who held a Doctorate of Music and used his abilities to develop the music to several well-known Christian hymns including “At Calvary,” “Saved by the Blood” and “Send Out a Light.”

Towner was born in Rome, Pennsylvania, in 1850. He received his early musical training from his father, J. G. Towner. He later studied under John Howard, George Root and James Webb.

Towner was the music director at Centenary Methodist Church, in Binghamton, New York (1870-1882); York Street Methodist Episcopal Church, in Cincinnati, Ohio (1882-1884); Union Methodist Episcopal Church, in Covington, Kentucky (1884-1885); and Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois (1893-1919).

As a composer of music for evangelistic purposes, Dr. Towner occupied a prominent place among writers. He was a very able leader of choirs and of large assemblies, and an impressive singer, possessing a well-trained baritone voice of unusual compass and power and of smooth and pleasing quality, which he used to the best advantage and with blessing to multitudes wherever he sang.

Pastor Towner joyfully led music at many of Dwight L. Moody’s revival meetings. In 1893, Pastor Towner became the first director of the Moody Bible Institute Music Department. In his lifetime, he composed over 2,000 hymns. He was leading singing in a revival when suddenly, without warning, Pastor Towner passed from this life into eternity. Both he and his friend, Pastor Sammis, were still in ministry when God called them home.

John H. Sammis lived from 1846–1919. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and at age 23 moved to Indiana. He became a successful businessman and through his work with the YMCA he was called to full-time ministry. He was an active Christian layman. He graduated from seminary in 1881 when he was thirty-five years old, and afterward pastored churches in the Midwest. Later, Pastor Sammis served as a professor at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles until his death in 1919. He wrote over 100 hymns.

An unknown, young man gave a quiet, spontaneous testimony  at an evangelistic meeting one evening that inspired a hymn that would touch the lives of millions of people all over the world. No one knows his name. That’s encouraging. It is an example that God can use every faithful word that we utter and every faithful deed that we do in ways beyond our imagining. When we get to heaven, God will show us how much He has done with the little deeds and kindnesses that we have long since forgotten.

Verse One

“When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will, He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.”

1 John 1:7

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

Godsbless.ing: This verse speaks to the importance of living a life guided by God’s light. It emphasizes the idea of walking in the light, which symbolizes living in truth, righteousness, and grace. Walking in the light encourages us to have a close relationship with God, to seek His guidance and presence in our everyday lives. This fellowship with God is depicted as essential for our spiritual growth and well-being. It offers a sense of communion with our Creator, providing us with comfort, strength, and direction in our journey.

 1 John 2:17

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

Bibleref.com: Doing God's will cannot save us, of course—no good works can overcome our sin. We are saved by Christ's sacrifice, when we put our trusting faith in Him. However, a natural outcome of salvation is a desire to do God's will. This is a hallmark of the believer, and only the believer will live with God forever. More immediately, John is explaining that a life lived in fellowship with God will go on forever, while earthly things will someday be gone.

Verse Two

“Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,

But His smile quickly drives it away;

Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,

Can abide while we trust and obey.”

Psalm 17:8

“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.”

Scripturesavvy.com: This is a beautiful depiction of how God nurtures us . . . The imagery employed in this verse may evoke feelings of peace and rest as we embrace the understanding that, despite whatever turmoil we may face, we are cradled under His wings. It beckons us to trust in the care that God has for us, recognizing that His heart is to protect us lovingly. Reflecting upon these phrases can strengthen our faith and inspire hope amidst our struggles.

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Scripturesavvy.com: In this context, to be filled with “all joy and peace” means to experience a profound emotional and spiritual state that can only come from trusting in God. It signifies a trust that goes beyond mere belief – it’s about putting our hope and reliance on God. Through this trust, believers find a sense of joy even amidst life’s struggles and peace that surpasses understanding.

Verse Three

“Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,

But our toil He doth richly repay;

Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,

But is blessed if we trust and obey.”

Ecclesiastes 5:19

“Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.”

Godsbless.ing: “To accept their lot and be happy in their toil” encapsulates the essence of contentment, urging individuals to find fulfillment in their circumstances and work. This mirrors Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 4:11-12, highlighting the importance of learning contentment in all situations. In today’s society, where success is often equated with material wealth, this message resonates deeply. True contentment and joy stem from recognizing and cherishing God’s blessings, rather than incessantly pursuing more.

Verse Four

“But we never can prove the delights of His love.

Until all on the altar we lay;

For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,

Are for them who will trust and obey.”

2 Corinthians 6:2

“For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Scripturesavvy.com: When God says, “In the time of my favor,” it indicates that God has set times when He shows grace. This might mean that there are moments in our lives when we feel more connected to God, or when we experience major blessings. Understanding this concept is crucial for us as believers because it can help us wait patiently for God’s providence. It reassures us that God has perfect timing, unlike our human impatience . . . God is extending His hand of favor toward us all. We may feel lost and unsure about where we stand in our relationship with God. However, the beauty of this scripture is that it presents an open invitation to experience God’s grace. We don’t need to feel qualified for it; we just need to be willing to accept it.

Verse Five

“Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,

Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;

What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;

Never fear, only trust and obey.”

Psalm 37:31

“The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.”

Kingjamesbibleonline.org, Matthew Henry’s Commentary: By His grace and Holy Spirit, He directs the thoughts, affections, and designs of good men. By His providence He overrules events, so as to make their way plain. He does not always show them His way for a distance, but leads them step by step, as children are led. God will keep them from being ruined by their falls.

Scripturesavvy.com: This verse provides comfort and assurance that those who live by God’s guidance are firmly rooted. Their faith equips them to navigate the ups and downs of life with God’s wisdom lighting their path. In doing so, it offers a sense of security; we can be confident that our steps won’t lead us astray when God’s law guides us.

Refrain

“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

The hymn reminds us that obedience is the outflow of our trust in God. As we trust Him, we can more readily obey Him. Satan may tempt us to think negatively about obeying our authorities. He may whisper, “If you obey God, you’ll have to stop doing what makes you happy.” However, the truth about obedience is the joyful fruit it yields.

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

Umcdiscipleship.org

Cacworldnews.com

Iblp.org

Hymnologyarchive.com

En.wikipedia.org

Wholesomewords.org

Hymnary.org

By His Grace . . . 

 

I Must Tell Jesus

The author and composer of this hymn, Elisha A. Hoffman, gives the following account of its writing:

“During a pastorate in Lebanon, PA, there was a woman to whom God permitted many visitations of sorrow and affliction. Coming to her home one day, I found her much discouraged. She unburdened her heart, concluding with the question: ‘Brother Hoffman, what shall I do? What shall I do?’ I quoted from the Word, then added, ‘You cannot do better than to take all of your sorrows to Jesus. You must tell Jesus.’ For a moment she seemed lost in meditation. Then her eyes lighted as she exclaimed, ‘Yes, I must tell Jesus.’ As I left her home I had a vision of that joy-illuminated face, and I heard all along my pathway the echo, ‘I must tell Jesus . . . I must tell Jesus.’”

As soon as he arrived home, he penned the words for this hymn. The tune is titled “Orwigsburg” for the town in which he was born.

In the vast majority of his compositions, Hoffman is the author of both the words and music. In his composition, Hoffman sought to create songs for congregational worship. According to Hoffman, a hymn is "a lyric poem, reverently and devotionally conceived, which is designed to be sung, and which expresses the worshipper's attitude toward God or God's purposes in human life. It should be simple and metrical in form, genuinely emotional, poetic and literary in style, spiritual in quality, and in its ideas so direct and so immediately apparent as to unify a congregation while singing it.”

Elisha A. Hoffman was born in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1839. His parents, Francis and Rebecca were Pennsylvania Germans. His father was a minister of the Gospel in the Evangelical Association and rendered over sixty years of service in preaching the Word.

Elisha was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia and graduated in the scientific field from Central High School. Afterwards he took up the classics and completed a classical course in Union Seminary of the Evangelical Association. For eleven years he was connected with the Association's publishing house in Cleveland, Ohio.

Hoffman's musical education was obtained from his parents. While possessing natural musical abilities, Hoffman never attended a school of music. Any musical instruction Hoffman received came from his experiences at his father's church or at home.

His parents both had sweet voices and sang well. It was their custom in the hour of family worship, both morning and evening, to sing one or two hymns. At an early age, the children became familiar with these hymns and learned to love them and to feel their hallowing and refining power. Their lives were marvelously influenced by this little service of song in the home. A taste for sacred music was created and developed, and singing became as natural a function of the soul as breathing was a function of the body.

Under the power of such an environment, Hoffman came to consciousness of a princely possession with which God had endowed him — the ability to express his intuitions and conceptions. His inner being thrilled with inspirations, longing for expression, and he used the power with which God had clothed him in the production of the many songs which bear his name. His first composition was given to the world when he was eighteen years of age. Since then, heart, brain and pen have been very prolific in the birth of songs.

In addition to pastoring, he wrote over 2,000 hymns including “What a Wonderful Saviour!” “Enough for Me,” “Are You Washed in the Blood?” “No Other Friend Like Jesus,” “Leaning On the Everlasting Arms,” “Down at the Cross,” and “Is Your All on the Altar?” 

Verse One

“I must tell Jesus all of my trials;

I cannot bear these burdens alone;

In my distress He kindly will help me;

He ever loves and cares for His own.”

Psalm 18:6

“In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before Him, into His ears.”

ExplainingtheBible.com: The phrase “In my distress” gives us insight into a moment of vulnerability, showing that even the strongest of people can feel overwhelmed and in need of support. The act of calling upon the Lord during this time signifies a relationship built on trust—a trust that God will hear our cries and respond . . . Distress is an inevitable part of life; it shapes our character and invites growth. It brings forth resilience, pushes us to seek God and brings us back to the source of our strength. Just as with Jesus, who experienced distress in the Garden of Gethsemane, we, too, are called to venture deep into our pain and bring it before God. Each cry can lead us back to Him, where hope and healing reside.

Verse Two

“I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;

He is a kind, compassionate friend;

If I but ask Him, He will deliver,

Make of my troubles quickly an end.”

James 2:23

“And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.”

Bibleref.com:  James reminds us that those made righteous by faith in Christ will proceed to do good works. James also adds that Abraham was called a friend of God. Jesus, too, called His disciples friends. It's hard to imagine being God's friend, but that is available to those who trust in Christ and, in faith, obey the Father who loves us.

2 Kings 17:39

“Rather, worship the Lord your God; it is He who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.”

Godsbless.ing: The promise embedded in the phrase “He will deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies” underscores God’s unwavering faithfulness and protection towards those who remain loyal to Him. It serves as a beacon of hope and assurance, assuring believers that God’s power transcends any challenge or threat they may face. This promise echoes throughout the Bible, resonating with other passages that emphasize the blessings and protection bestowed upon those who fear and serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

Verse Three

“Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior,

One who can help my burdens to bear;

I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus;

He all my cares and sorrows will share.”

2 Corinthians 1:5

“For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.”

ExplainingtheBible.com: In this verse, Paul expresses a profound connection between suffering and comfort in the Christian experience. He points out that the sufferings we go through are linked to Christ’s own sufferings. Just as Jesus faced hardships, our lives will also encounter difficulties. However, there is a beautiful flip side to this message: just as Christ’s sufferings fill our lives, His comfort does too. This means that through every challenge and trial we face, we are not alone; the comfort that comes from Christ also fills our hearts and helps us to endure. This verse beautifully captures the balance of pain and healing in our spiritual journey. It encourages us to remember that in our most difficult times, Christ is there to provide us solace, making our suffering meaningful . . . God provides comfort in such richness that it can spill over into the lives of those around us. As we allow His love to fill our hearts, we can recognize that our comfort is multiplied as we share it with others. It’s a reminder to be open to the ways God wants to use our stories to impact others positively.

Psalm 68:19

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”

Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: He enables us to bear it; He gives us strength; and finally He delivers us from it. “Though,” therefore, He constantly lays on us a burden, He constantly aids us to bear it. He does not leave us. He enables us to triumph in Him, and through Him; and we have occasion constantly to honor and to praise His name. This accords with the experience of all His people, that however heavy may be the burden laid on them, and however constant their trials, they find Him as constant a helper, and they daily have occasion to praise and bless Him.

Verse Four

"O how the world to evil allures me!

O how my heart is tempted to sin!

I must tell Jesus, and He will help me,

Over the world the vict'ry to win.”

Colossians 2:8

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

ExplainingtheBible.com: Paul emphasizes that we should discern between God’s truth and what the world presents as wisdom. In other parts of the Bible, such as Romans 12:2, we are advised not to conform to the patterns of this world. Instead, we are encouraged to renew our minds and understand God’s will. This renewal only comes through a close relationship with Jesus and grounding ourselves in His word . . . Colossians 2:8 provides a powerful reminder to keep our focus on Christ as we navigate our journey of faith. While engaging with the world around us, we must prioritize the truth found in Jesus over hollow philosophies that can potentially lead us away from Him. Recognizing where our influences come from and aligning ourselves with God’s teachings is essential.

Refrain

“I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

I cannot bear my burdens alone;

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.”

Tell it to Jesus. How often do we forget to turn to Jesus and tell Him everything. He is always ready to listen. He hears your voice, your whisper and your thoughts. He already knows what you need to say. But He wants us to tell Him. To have that deep and ready desire to talk to Him. Tell Him.

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

Barryshymns.blogspot.com

Christianmusicandhymns.com

En.wikipedia.org

Wholesomewords.org

Kenneth W. Osbeck, 101 More Hymn Stories

Hymnologyarchive.com

Dianaleaghmatthews.com

By His Grace . . .