Below are the words to an old hymn written around 1876 by Jean Pigott. The words seem archaic at times, but one of the rich blessings of some of the old hymns is the word choice made by the writer. I first encountered this hymn attached to a newer melody about nine years ago. The words are so compelling that I'm drawn back to it over and over again.
The original tune: Tranquility (by James Mountain -- also 1876) is not quite as flowing as the one I first learned, but if you are familiar with this hymn it is probably the tune you'll remember.
As you read the words, try to get past the surface to what they are really saying--"O, how great Thy loving-kindness, / Vaster, broader than the sea" and then later "And Thy love so pure and changeless, / Satisfies my heart; / Satisfies its deepest longings, / Meets, supplies its every need, / Compasseth me 'round with blessings: / Thine is love indeed!"
Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting
Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.
Refrain
Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
O, how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea!
O, how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Belovèd,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.
Refrain
Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart;
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings:
Thine is love indeed!
Refrain
Ever lift Thy face upon me
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting ’neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory,
Sunshine of my Father’s face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting,
Fill me with Thy grace.
Refrain
Sometimes I think that it would be worth our while to use an economy of language again. What do you think?
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