O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go

Many hymn writers say they struggle when composing a hymn text, revising and tweaking it until the meter and choice of images are exactly right. Others conceive the hymn as a whole and transmit it to paper as quickly as they can write it down. That is how “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go,” came to be written.

George Matheson was born on March 27, 1842, in Glasgow, Scotland to George and Jane Matheson. He was the eldest of eight children. He suffered poor eyesight from birth, and at age 15 learned that he was going blind.  Not one to be easily discouraged, he enrolled in the University of Glasgow.  Matheson’s three sisters rose to the occasion and tutored him through his studies—even going so far as to learn Hebrew, Greek, and Latin to be able to help their brother.  With their help he was able to complete his studies

After graduation, he answered a call to serve as pastor of a church in Innellan, Argylshire, Scotland.  He had a successful ministry there, and was later called to serve as pastor of the much larger (2000 member) St. Bernard’s Church in Edinburgh.

"O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go" was written on the evening of Matheson’s sister’s marriage. Years before, he had been engaged, until his fiancée learned that he was going blind—that there was nothing the doctors could do—and she told him that she could not go through life with a blind man and broke off the engagement.

Now with his sister to be married, Matheson found himself alone again. It was out of this moment of bittersweetness – even deep despondency – that Matheson wrote such comforting lyrics. He provides us with an account of the origins of this hymn:

“My hymn was composed in the manse of Innellan on the evening of the 6th of June, 1882. . . Something happened to me, which was known only to myself, and which caused me the most severe mental suffering. The hymn was the fruit of that suffering. It was the quickest bit of work I ever did in my life. I had the impression rather of having it dictated to me by some inward voice than of working it out myself.

“I am quite sure that the whole work was completed in five minutes, and equally sure it never received at my hands any retouching or correction. I have no natural gift of rhythm. All the other verses I have ever written are manufactured articles; this came like a dayspring from on high. I have never been able to gain once more the same fervor in verse.”

This hymn is a celebration of God’s extravagant love, with images of rainbows emerging from rain, joy arising from pain, blossoms springing from dry ground. It celebrates a love that is faithful, not fickle, a love that will endure through the worst of life’s crises, a love in which our weary souls can rest from all the stress

The Scottish hymnal committee asked Albert L. Peace, a well-known Scottish organist, to write the tune for the lyrics.  According to Peace, the tune came to him as quickly as the text had come to Matheson: “After reading it over carefully, I wrote the music straight off and may say that the ink of the first note was hardly dry when I had finished the tune.”

Matheson suffered two severe blows that could have stopped him—the loss of his eyesight and the loss of his beloved.  In both cases, he made the best of a bad situation—and we are all the richer for it.  As this hymn reveals, it was his faith in God that kept him going through the adversities that he suffered.  He believed that God’s love would not let him go—and that God’s light would follow him all his way—and that God’s joy would seek him through his pain—and that faith made all the difference.

Verse One

“O love that will not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in Thee;

I give Thee back the life I owe,

That in thine ocean depths its flow

May richer, fuller be.”

Mark 8:35

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.”

Godsbless.ing: This powerful verse from the book of Mark challenges us to reflect on the true value of our lives and the priorities we hold. It urges us to consider whether we are living for ourselves and our own desires, or if we are willing to surrender our lives in service to something greater. This verse invites us to rethink our understanding of success and fulfillment by highlighting the paradox that saving one’s life leads to its loss, while losing one’s life for the sake of a higher cause results in salvation.

Studylight.org, Bridgeway Bible Commentary: The disciples of Jesus are those who have given their lives to Jesus, and they will be obedient to their Master even if it leads to hardship, persecution and death. They will no longer rule their own lives but will deny themselves personal desires in order to please Jesus. In sacrificing the life that puts self-first, they will find the only true life.

Verse Two

“O Light that follows all my way,

I yield my flick'ring torch to Thee;

My heart restores its borrowed ray,

That in Thy sunshine's blaze its day,

May brighter, fairer be.”

Ephesians 5:8

“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”

Studylight.org, Contending for the Faith: In the same way that we once personified darkness, we now are "light in the Lord." We are "the light of the world." Paul tells the Philippians to "prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world." Our way of life contrasts so significantly with the sinful world that the difference is like the dissimilarity of darkness and light . . . Those who walk about in darkness "do not know nor do they understand" the will of the Lord. Those who "walk in the light" understand what it means to follow Jesus

Colossians 1:12

“Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”

ExplainingtheBible.com: As we think about the “inheritance of the saints in light,” we are reminded that this inheritance is not just for us personally, but for all of God’s people. We become part of a grand story, woven into the fabric of the faithful throughout history – a connection that transcends time and space. This inheritance includes spiritual gifts, blessings, and the hope of eternal life with God. Therefore, we are encouraged as we reflect on our relationship with God and the wonder of what it means to be called His children . . . "The saints in light” points to the holy community of believers. It connects the historical and modern-day followers of Jesus under a shared light. This emphasizes that our journey is part of something bigger than ourselves, promoting unity among believers. As we live out our faith, we extend God’s light to others, reflecting the love we have received.

Verse Three

“O Joy that seekest me thru' pain,

I cannot close my heart to Thee;

I trace the rainbow thru' the rain,

And feel the promise is not vain,

That morn shall tearless be.”

Acts 2:39

“For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.”

Godsbless.ing: This verse reminds us of the vast and inclusive nature of God’s promises. It reassures us that the promise of salvation and blessings is not limited to a certain group or generation but is meant for everyone. It emphasizes that this promise is not restricted by time or distance, but is available to all who seek it, regardless of their background or circumstances . . . The promise “for all whom the Lord our God will call” highlights divine initiative. God’s calling transcends human boundaries, echoing, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” This inclusivity is crucial in understanding that the gospel is meant for everyone, regardless of background or status. It assures us that God’s grace reaches beyond our immediate circles, offering hope to the marginalized and distant

Ephesians 3:6

“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”

Enduringword.com: This describes the mystery itself – that believing Jews and believing Gentiles are joined together into one body of Christ, into one Church, and no longer separated before God as such . . . The truth of this mystery means that Gentiles are now full partakers of His promise. This was a privilege no longer reserved only for the believing Jewish person . . . This could only happen through the gospel, where all men have an equal standing in Jesus. This is the same gospel Paul is a servant of, because of the gift of grace given to him by the working of God’s power.

Verse Four

“O cross that liftest up my head,

I dare not ask to fly from Thee;

I lay in dust life's glory dead,

And from the ground there blossoms red,

Life that shall endless be.”

Romans 6:22

“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.”

ExplainingtheBible.com: The promise of eternal life is something that fills us with hope. Understanding this life-transforming truth impacts how we view our day-to-day lives and the trials we face. The knowledge that our journey with God leads to everlasting connections brings purpose to our efforts here and now. Living in the light of eternal life shapes our attitudes, actions, and interactions with others. We no longer live with the fear of death or the despair of our past; instead, we have the assurance of God’s love for eternity.

John 3:15

“That whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.”

Bibleoutlined.com: This proclamation emphasizes that all who believe are afforded the opportunity for eternal life, suggesting that our salvation hinges on our acceptance of Him. It’s here that we realize the responsibility falls upon us to choose faith over doubt and fear . . . the promise of eternal life encourages us to maintain hope. While life can be challenging, the assurance of spending eternity with God can lighten our load. This perspective shifts our focus to the good that lies ahead, inspiring us to live faithfully and joyfully as we anticipate our forever home with Him.

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

Umcdiscipleship.org

Sermonwriter.com

Dianaleaghmatthews.com

Askherabouthymn.com

Gospelreformation.net

En.wikipedia.org

By His Grace . . . 

Wonderful Words of Life

 

Philip Bliss was a leading, gospel song writer of the late 19th century. He often received inspiration for a hymn while listening to a message during a church service. Once an idea struck his alert mind, he worked rapidly, usually completing both the text and the music in one sitting.

Bliss was born in Clearfield County, PA in 1838. His youthful days were spent on a farm or in a lumber camp, where he experienced severe poverty. At an early age, young Bliss displayed unusual talent and interest in sacred music. Although he never received formal training in music, his self-study made him a knowledgeable and proficient musician.

Always interested in music, he carried items from his family’s home into town to sell. One day he heard a lady playing the piano in a house along the way.  Walking into the house without her knowledge, he asked her to play some more but was ordered to leave.

His family was poor, and at age eleven he left home to work on farms and in lumber camps.  The following year he joined the Baptist Church at Elk Run, PA, and began studying music.  His first instruction was under J. G. Towner.  Also, he attended a music convention conducted by William B. Bradbury

At the age of twenty-five, Bliss sent a letter and a copy of his first music manuscript to Dr. George Root, wondering if he could sell his song to the Root and Cady Music Company, a leading music publishing house, in exchange for a flute. Root recognized the talent of this young man and immediately encouraged him with a new flute.

In 1859 he married Lucy Young of Rome, PA, and for a year afterward worked on her father’s farm.  Beginning in 1860, with the help of his horse, Old Fanny, a ramshackle buggy, and a $20 melodeon, he rode about rural Pennsylvania as a professional music teacher, conducting singing schools in the winter and continuing his own music education during the summers at the Normal Academy of Music at Geneseo, NY, conducted by Theodore E. Perkins and others. 

Bliss was an impoverished music teacher making only $13 a month. By age 36 he was earning a fortune with his royalties being counted in the tens of thousands of dollars, although he gave much of it away to charity.  “Wonderful Words of Life” was produced in 1874 for the first issue of a religious paper named Words of Life, published by Fleming H. Revell in New York City.

In 1876, after a grueling fall schedule, Mr. and Mrs. Bliss spent the Christmas holiday with their family in Rome, PA.  Leaving the children with relatives in Rome, they left for Chicago for an engagement at Moody’s tabernacle.  On Dec. 29, while they were riding their Chicago-bound express through Ohio, the bridge over a ravine near Ashtabula gave way, and seven cars crashed through the trestle. 

They plunged into the icy riverbed below and burst into flame.  Bliss, just 38 years old at the time, survived the fall, escaped through a window, and crawled from the wreckage.  However, when he did not see his wife, he fought his way back through the fire into the burning mass in a vain effort to locate and rescue her.  Both of them perished in the flames, along with a hundred other people

Bliss is well known from his work with the evangelistic revival meetings of the mid-nineteenth century with leaders such as Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899) and Daniel Webster “Major” Whittle (1840-1901). Bliss and his wife, Lucy, both joined these revival meetings as singers, leading the songs of what would be known as the gospel era of hymnody. The Blisses defined the era with a life on the road as traveling evangelists with their colleagues for many years to come. Most of these worship services took place in the midwestern and the southern United States, and they served as the framework within which Bliss wrote his hymn texts and tunes.

Bliss would go on to compose other great hymns such as “Jesus Loves Even Me,” and “Hallelujah, What a Savior” before his untimely death.

Verse One

“Sing them over again to me,

Wonderful words of life;

Let me more of their beauty see,

Wonderful words of life;

Words of life and beauty,

Teach me faith and duty.”

 Ecclesiastes 12:13

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

Godsbless.ing, Reverend Michael Johnson: We can fear God and keep His commandments by understanding that our ultimate purpose in life is to fear God and keep His commandments. This means recognizing God’s authority and obedience to His will above all else. We demonstrate our fear of God by acknowledging His sovereignty and submitting ourselves to Him . . . Fearing God involves reverence, awe, and respect for His power and holiness. Keeping His commandments requires us to live in accordance with His Word and to follow His instructions for our lives. This involves actively seeking to align our thoughts, words, and actions with what pleases God and leads us closer to Him. We ultimately show our devotion to God and acknowledge His wisdom and goodness by fearing Him and keeping His commandments. This deepens our relationship with Him and helps us live a life that is pleasing to God.

Verse Two

“Christ, the blessed one, gives to all,

Wonderful words of life;

Sinner, list to the loving call,

Wonderful words of life;

All so freely given,

Wooing us to heaven.”

 Romans 8:32

“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”

Scripturesavvy.com: “For us all.” This inclusive language reminds us that God’s love and sacrifice extends to everyone. No one is excluded from the redemptive power of Christ. Each person has inherent value in God’s eyes, and we are all called to respond to that love. This also serves as a reminder of community; as believers, we are invited to share that love with the world around us.

Ephesians 1:6

“To the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the one He loves.”

Biblehub.com: The term "freely given" suggests that this grace is not earned or deserved but is a gift from God. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that salvation is a gift from God, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9, where it is stated that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. The historical context of the early church, which was grappling with the transition from the Law to grace, underscores the radical nature of this gift. It was a departure from the works-based righteousness of the Old Covenant to the grace-based righteousness of the New Covenant.

Verse Three

“Sweetly echo the gospel call,

Wonderful words of life;

Offer pardon and peace to all,

Wonderful words of life;

Jesus, only Savior,

Sanctify forever.”

Micah 7:18

“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”

Reignitedfaith.com: The prophet Micah declares that there is no other God like the God of the Bible. He is the only God who is truly merciful and forgiving. He then proceeds to list several characteristics of God that set Him apart from other gods . . . These verses remind us that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness. He is willing to forgive us for our sins, no matter how great they may be. He does not hold our sins against us forever. Instead, He casts them into the depths of the sea, where they can never be found again.

Matthew 28:19

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Coffman’s Commentary on the Bible: This Great Commission, as the saints of all ages have consented to call it, constitutes the marching orders of His church for a day and to all eternity. It is a whole galaxy studded with many of the biggest stars in the firmament of Christian doctrine. It may well be doubted if many passages of similar length are more packed with divine truth than are these words of the Commission. They are exactly what one should have expected, only far more, from the lips of a supernatural, divine Savior, on point of departure to the eternal world of the spirit, and uttering one last comprehensive command to His disciples for all generations to come.

Refrain

“Beautiful words, wonderful words,

Wonderful words of life.

Beautiful words, wonderful words,

Wonderful words of life.”

Psalm 19:14

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Scripturesavvy.com: The primary lesson is the recognition of the power our words and thoughts carry. They are not mere expressions; rather, they reflect our heart’s position and our relationship with God. This awareness prompts self-examination, urging us to be more intentional about what we communicate and how we express ourselves . . . Our oral expressions hold great power, capable of building up or tearing down. Mouths have been used for great encouragement but unfortunately also for spreading harm. We must consider what we are speaking and who we are speaking it to. With every word we utter, we can be ambassadors of God’s love.

Bliss said, “I carried that song [Wonderful Words of Life] through two seasons of evangelistic work, never thinking it possessed much merit, or that it had the element of special usefulness, particularly for solo purposes. It occurred to me to try it one day during the campaign in New Haven, and, with the help of Mrs. Stebbins, we sang it as a duet. To our surprise the song was received with the greatest enthusiasm and from that time on to the close of the meetings was the favorite of all the hymns used."

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck

How Sweet the Sound by George Beverly Shea

DianaLeaghMatthews.com

Studylight.org; Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible

Teachingtruth.org; Greg Chandler

Amazing Grace, Kenneth W. Osbeck

Hymnstudiesblog.wordpress.com

Umcdiscipleship.org

Barryshymns.blogspot.com

By His Grace . . . 

There is a Fountain Filled With Blood

William Cowper is one of God’s gracious gifts to those suffering from depression. Like the Psalmist who cried, “Why are you cast down, O my soul?” Cowper shows us that our emotional struggles often give us heightened sensitivity to the heart of God and to the needs of others.

Cowper is viewed by some as one of the finest of all English writers. It was during his time in an insane asylum that he read from the Scriptures in Romans 3:25 that Jesus Christ is “set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are a past. Through the forbearance of God.”  His life was still to hold many dark days of intense depression, but at least he now had a spiritual foundation.

Through this reading Cowper soon developed a personal relationship with Christ and a sense of forgiveness of sin. This was in 1764, when he was 33 years old.

William Cowper was born in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England, in 1731. His father was a rector of an Anglican church, and his aunt an English poet. In November 1737, less than three weeks before William’s sixth birthday, his mother died giving birth to his brother John. Seven children were born to John and his wife, but only William and his brother lived past infancy.

Cowper was first sent to a boarding school at Markyate. It was here he first began suffering from frequent emotional difficulties. At age 10 he was transferred to Westminster where he was much happier. It was here that he developed a love for literature and poetry.

His father wanted him to study law. Upon completion of his studies, however, the prospect of appearing for his final examination before the bar so frightened him that it caused a mental breakdown and an attempted suicide. First being diagnosed as melancholy in 1763, he experienced depression and insanity.  He tried three times to commit suicide. 

Friends recommended an asylum run by Dr. Nathaniel Cotton, a lover of poetry and a committed Christian. Under Dr. Cotton’s care, William slowly recovered. Through his reading of the Bible, Cowper soon developed a personal relationship with Christ and a sense of forgiveness of sin. This was in 1764, when he was 33 years old. It was during this time that Cowper wrote “There is a Fountain Filled With Blood?”

He was treated at St. Alban’s Hospital and took up residence with the Rev. Morley Unwin in Huntingdon. During this time, his depression slowly lifted.

Cowper was invited to move to Olney, England, where John Newton pastored the parish Anglican Church. It was here for nearly two decades that Newton and Cowper had a close personal friendship. In 1799 their combined talents produced the famous Olney Hymns hymnal, one of the most important single contributions made to the field of evangelical hymnody. In this ambitious collection of 349 hymns, sixty-seven were written by Cowper with the remainder by Newton.

“There is a Fountain” was originally titled “Peace for the Fountain Opened.” The hymn, with its vivid imagery, is based on the Old Testament text, Zechariah 131: “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and uncleanness.”

Verse One

“There is a fountain filled with blood,

Drawn from Immanuel’s veins,

And sinners plunged beneath that flood,

Lose all their guilty stains.

Lose all their guilty stains,

Lose all their guilty stains;

And sinners plunged beneath that flood,

Lose all their guilty stains.”

Ephesians 1:7

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”

Studylight.org, Clarke’s Commentary:  God has glorified His grace by giving us redemption by the blood of His Son, and this redemption consists in forgiving and delivering us from our sins; so then Christ's blood was the redemption price paid down for our salvation: and this was according to the riches of His grace; as His grace is rich or abundant in benevolence, so it was manifested in beneficence to mankind, in their redemption by the sacrifice of Christ, the measure of redeeming grace being the measure of God’s own eternal goodness.

Bibleref.com: This verse transitions to payment Jesus made for us “through his blood.” Paul is referring to Christ’s death on the cross as the sufficient payment for the sins of all who believe. What did this redemption cover? It paid to release us from the eternal penalty and the earthly power of our own sins. This freedom was not “free,” since it is paid for by Christ’s death; it cost Him everything. As a result, for the believer, the ultimate price has already been paid. This is grace: the ability to become a child of God, because God provided a free way to know Him by faith.

Hebrews 10:22

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

Godsbless.ing: “Hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience” poignantly captures the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice in purifying and forgiving our sins. This imagery of cleansing and renewal through Christ’s atoning blood echoes the profound truth articulated in 1 John 1:7, where we are reminded that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin, offering us redemption and freedom from guilt.

Bibleref.com: Under the new covenant, Christians can truly experience a release of guilt. And, in order to live the life to which we are called, we should set aside feelings of guilt, since all of our sins are truly forgiven.

Verse Two

“The dying thief rejoiced to see,

That fountain in His day;

And there have I, though vile as he,

Washed all my sins away.

Washed all my sins away,

Washed all my sins away;

And there have I, though vile as he,

Luke 23:39-41

“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us.’ But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’”

Godsbless.ing: This powerful verse brings to light the transformative power of redemption and forgiveness. Despite being a criminal, the man on the cross next to Jesus recognizes his wrongdoing and humbly asks to be remembered in Jesus’s kingdom. This moment captures the essence of grace and mercy, showcasing how even in our darkest moments, we can seek forgiveness and be embraced by God’s love . . . Reflecting on this verse prompts us to ponder our own actions and seek repentance for our wrongdoings. It reminds us that no matter our past mistakes, it is never too late to turn to God and seek his forgiveness. 

Verse Three

“Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood,

Shall never lose its pow’r,

Till all the ransomed church of God,

Are safe, to sin no more.

Are safe, to sin no more,

Are safe, to sin no more;

Till all the ransomed church of God,

Are safe, to sin no more.”

1 Peter 1:19

“But with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”

Bibleref.com: Our Father purchased us with the blood of Christ. The value God place on our lives was equal to that of the very life of His "only begotten Son." Peter describes Christ as a lamb free from blemish or defect . . . As the sinless, perfectly righteous Son of God, the life of Jesus—His blood—was of such great value that He became the final offering required under that Old Covenant system. No more animal sacrifices are needed to temporarily cover human sin. Instead, the Father paid the ultimate price to redeem us, giving limitless value to lives that would otherwise have been futile and empty.

Verse Four

“When this poor, lisping, stamm’ring tongue,

Lies silent in the grave,

Then in a nobler, sweeter song,

I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save.

I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save,

I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save;

Then in a nobler, sweeter song,

I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save.”

Acts 2:26

“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Poole’s Commentary: in Psalm 16:9, it is my glory, as the tongue is frequently called; communicating our thoughts or apprehensions by speech, being the excellency of a reasonable creature.

Scripturesavvy.com: “My tongue rejoices,” emphasizing that the overflow of joy must be shared. Our expressions can reflect the happiness we feel, allowing others to witness the beauty of faith and relationship with God. It’s in these expressions – whether through singing, sharing testimonies, or simply being present – that we build community and invite others to share in this joy. Through every praise we lift, we create ripples that can influence and inspire those around us.

Cowper’s constant mental breakdowns produced a lisp and stutter he lived with the rest of his life which make the closing words of this hymn all the more precious: “When this poor lisping, stamm’ring tongue, Lies silent in the grave, Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save!”

  

I am indebted to the following resources:

Then Sings my Soul, Robert J. Morgan

Amazing Grace, Kenneth W. Osbeck

Reasonsforhopejesus.com

Umcdiscipleship.org

A Song in my Heart, Robert J. Morgan

Godtube.com

Anglicancompass.com

By His Grace . . . 

Jesus Is All The World To Me

 

Gospel songs offer the singer the experience of a deeply personal relationship with Jesus Christ in a language that is simple and down to earth. Will L. Thompson fulfills this expectation in a gospel song that reflects a child-like faith and trust in Jesus, the truest friend of all. And after all, Romans 8:16 says: “The Spirit itself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

Thompson was born in East Liverpool, Ohio in 1847. He was the youngest of seven children born to Josiah and Sarah Jackman Thompson. His father Josiah served for two terms in the Ohio State Legislature.

Thompson was composing songs by the time he was a teenager, including “My Home on the Old Ohio” and “Gathering Shells from the Seashore.” He had the rare gift of being both a lyricist and a composer.

Thompson seemed to always have a goal of being a musician. After graduating from Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio, he entered the New England Conservatory of Music in 1873. He attended the Boston Conservatory of Music and pursued additional musical study in Leipzig, Germany, where J.S. Bach had served as a church and civic musician in the 18th century.

Thompson married Elizabeth Johnson and had a son, William Leland Thompson.

Thompson eventually opened the W. L. Thompson Music Company in East Liverpool, which became “one of the most prominent and successful such businesses in the United States.” He later founded a music and publishing company in Chicago.

In 1904, in his 50s, Thompson reflected on his songwriting and business life of the previous few decades. He’d been exposed to bigger venues than where he was in East Liverpool, when he put pen to paper and expressed his bond with Jesus Christ. This is where Thompson was inspired to articulate his devotion to God.

As a composer, Thompson achieved recognition for his contributions to patriotic and other secular songs, but his primary interest was composing sacred songs.

Thompson was a small-town entrepreneur who could have chosen a bigger stage at one point in his life but instead took a different route to success.

Hymnologist Kenneth Osbeck describes Thompson’s personal characteristics: “He was always known as a kind, quiet and unassuming Christian gentleman, greatly loved and admired by his associates.”

Thompson had a great love for history and continued to serve the Lord through service and giving to various civic organizations.

He was also aware of the fact that small town people had very little exposure to good music, so he loaded a piano on a horse-drawn wagon and went through small Ohio towns giving concerts of his music.

While on tour in Europe, Thompson fell ill and returned home. He died shortly thereafter on September 20, 1909.

Verse One

“Jesus is all the world to me,

My life, my joy, my all;

He is my strength from day to day,

Without Him I would fall.

When I am sad, to Him I go,

No other one can cheer me so;

When I am sad, He makes me glad,

Isaiah 40:29

Isaiah 40:29

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

Godsbless.ing: This verse from Isaiah beautifully captures the essence of God’s compassionate and supportive nature. It serves as a comforting reminder that even when we feel depleted and exhausted, God is there to lift us up and provide us with the strength we need to carry on. Just as a loving parent would empower and support their child through difficult times, God does the same for us . . . This phrase emphasizes God’s role as a provider of strength. It acknowledges human frailty and the inevitable weariness that comes from life’s struggles, highlighting that God is the source of renewed energy and perseverance.

Enduringword.com:  After explaining all the greatness and glory of God, now Isaiah explains another benefit we can receive from our God – He gives us His great power . . . Notice who God gives power to: the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength . . . God’s strength is reserved for those who know they are weak, and know they have no might.

Psalm 31:7

“I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.”

Scripturesavvy.com: This psalm highlights a very personal aspect of our walk of faith. In this verse, the psalmist expresses joy in God’s love despite the pain he is experiencing. The phrase “I will be glad and rejoice” signifies a determined choice to find happiness in God’s steadfast love, even when life feels heavy. This joy is anchored in the understanding that God sees our struggles and knows the depths of our suffering. His divine awareness offers comfort, knowing we are not alone in our battles.

Verse Two

“Jesus is all the world to me,

My Friend in trials sore;

I go to Him for blessings, and,

He gives them o’er and o’er.

He sends the sunshine and the rain,

He sends the harvest’s golden grain;

Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain,

He’s my Friend.”

2 Peter 2:9

“If this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.”

Godsbless.ing: This verse speaks to the assurance that God is aware of the challenges and difficulties faced by those who strive to live a godly life. It offers comfort and hope to believers, assuring them that they are not alone in their struggles. God is not only aware of their trials but also capable of delivering them from those difficult situations.

Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: That is, the cases referred to show that God is able to deliver His people when tempted and understands the best way in which it should be done. He sees a way to do it when we cannot, though it is often a way which we should not have thought of. He can send an angel to take His tempted people by the hand; He can interpose and destroy the power of the tempter; He can raise up earthly friends; He can deliver His people completely and forever from temptation, by their removal to heaven.

Verse Three

“Jesus is all the world to me,

And true to Him I’ll be;

Oh, how could I this Friend deny,

When He’s so true to me?

Following Him I know I’m right,

He watches o’er me day and night;

Following Him by day and night,

He’s my Friend.”

Psalm 31:23 

“Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full.”

Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: The faithful; those who put their trust in Him; those who do not give up in despondency and despair in time of danger and trouble; those who do not forsake Him even though for a time He seems to forsake them. What God looks for mainly in His people is confidence; faithfulness; trust; fidelity.

Scripturesavvy.com: This beautiful verse serves as a reminder of the boundless love and protection that God offers to those who are faithful to Him. It encourages us to love the Lord wholeheartedly, recognizing that our relationship with Him is built on trust and loyalty. In this passage, the term “faithful people” refers to those who remain steadfast in their love and devotion to God regardless of the circumstances they face. This loyalty does not go unnoticed by the Lord; He takes it upon Himself to preserve and care for those who are true to Him . . . This reminds us that even in our challenging moments, we should draw strength from God through love and loyalty. The beautiful reassurance that God protects His faithful servants should motivate us to remain steadfast in our fidelity to Him. It creates a sense of community among believers, as we can come together to support each other in our love for God. When we encourage one another to draw closer to God, we help build a faithful community that loves and trusts God even amidst adversity.

Verse Four

“Jesus is all the world to me,

I want no better Friend;

I trust Him now, I’ll trust Him when,

Life’s fleeting days shall end.

Beautiful life with such a Friend,

Beautiful life that has no end;

Eternal life, eternal joy,

He’s my Friend.”

Psalm 39:4

“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.”

Studylight.org, Dr. Constable’s Expository Notes: David finally found relief in expressing his frustration to God. He prayed that God would teach him to appreciate the brevity of human life. Evidently David was an old man at this time. His life seemed very short looking back on it. People measured short distances with handbreadths in David’s time. The pursuits of life are relatively insignificant in view of the short time we live.

Godsbless.ing: This verse is a powerful reminder of the brevity and preciousness of life. It encourages us to reflect on the limited time we have on this earth and to use it wisely. “We are called to be mindful of how we spend our time and to prioritize what truly matters by ‘numbering our days’.” This practice can lead us to a heart of wisdom, helping us make thoughtful decisions and live with purpose and intention . . . Think about it – how often do we take our time for granted, mindlessly going through our days without pausing to consider their significance? We can cultivate a deeper appreciation for life and a greater sense of fulfillment by acknowledging the finite nature of our days and seeking wisdom in how we use them. So, let us embrace this teaching and strive to make each day count, cherishing the moments we have and making choices that align with our values and aspirations.

  

I am indebted to the following resources:

Umcdiscipleship.org

Dianaleaghmatthews.com

Songscoops.blogspot.com

Amazing Grace, Kenneth W. Osbeck

By His Grace . . .