Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
This morning I set out to ride my bike in the pouring rain. I’m training for my mid-life crisis triathlon. It’s a mini-triathlon, really; 400 meter swim, 14 mile bike ride, and 3 mile run. Nevertheless, it exhausts me to type that much physical activity, much less train for it. I figured if I’m heading over the hill this year, I might as well try to swim, bike and run over it.
The rain was cold and exhilarating this morning, waking me with each drop. There was a sweet smell of honeysuckle in the air, hinting towards eternity, and a small waterfall was forming off the front of my bike helmet making it hard for me to see. It reminded me of when my eye doctor prescribed my coke bottle-sized glasses when I was in the 3rd grade. I was nearsighted—like today, I could only see the road near me. Everything off in the distance was just a blur.
There’s something about training for a race that makes you think in terms of distance, focusing on the end goal. You begin to calculate the miles, getting so caught up in your vision of the finish line that you miss the beauty around you on the journey.
During my rainy bike ride it dawned on me: too often I think of God in the distance, like a far-off God in the sky, listening to my lowly prayers from high above. Imagining Him this way causes me to create false rules in an effort to get His attention—if I get on my knees will He incline His ear to hear me? if I’m good enough, will He draw closer to me?—all the while forgetting that He promised to be near from the moment I gave my life to Him. In John 14:23, Jesus says, “My father will love him and we will come and make our home in him.” He says of His Spirit a few verses earlier, “But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you” (Jn 14:17).
So, the Holy Spirit is ALREADY in me when I pray? It is gospel truth, and it’s no less true just because it’s sometimes hard for us to believe.
Our God is always near to us, even when our vision is unclear. I could feel the Lord nudging me awake to His closeness as I rode my bike through the park. He was leading me to green pastures and open spaces. He was wooing me with cool raindrops falling upon my skin, with the rhythmic sounds of water and my own breathing. My Savior was beckoning me with a green, glowing landscape and the sweet smell of honeysuckle, and the combination resonated deep within me. The smells and sounds and scenery were intimate, just like Jesus—His very name, Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.”
As this truth sunk in and I began to see God as near, because He always is, I began to smile and sing. Yes, I sang out loud, and yes, some more serious cyclists dressed in better attire than me heard, but I kept singing nonetheless: Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my HEART.
Friends, it begins here, with the heart—the intimate place, the wellspring, the place we store up treasure. It is here in our hearts that we see God with the nearsighted vision that is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and it’s here that I began to sing that hymn differently. I sang it to my heart instead of to the sky, as I pedaled onward in the rain.
____
Mandy Mann lives with her hubby, Kevin, and their two boys in Nashville, Tennessee. A lover of Jesus, Mandy’s favorite things are the ones that beckon her closer to Him—Scripture, singing and songwriting, photography, the great outdoors, and drawing laughter out of those she loves. Overseas, you might hear Mandy’s songs played on various commercials. Stateside, she is working on new music and enjoying her time as a stay-at-home mama.
Be Thou My Vision
attributed to Dallan Forgaill, 8th cent.
translated by Mary E. Bryne, 1905
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.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tow’r:
Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whate’er befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
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168 thoughts on "Be Thou My Vision"
He has always been here with us and will forever be❤️
This is one of my all time favorite hymns!
This has made my day. I wish all poisgnts were this good.
This was somewhat similar to the discussion we had at gospel group last night. God is so good!
❤️❤️❤️
This was amazing- thank you!
love this!
I needed this today. It’s been a crummy week, stressful at work, husband and I aren’t getting along. Just one of those weeks and sometimes in these dark moments I want to curl up in a ball and forget about everything including God but this is when I need Him most for He is love.
I read this one last week and just came on to read the comments. Thank you jade for what you wrote. I literally feel exactly to a T what you wrote. I do a really good job of staying in those dark moments (overly busy for me) even leaving God out. I feel very alone and it’s nice to know other women feel the same way. I get so overwhelmed with taking care of everyone and everything else that I feel like I can’t and don’t take care of myself. And I just want someone there for me. I know God is but why does it not feel like even
My favorite version of this song is Be Thou My Vision by Audrey Assad. Beautiful!
Lord, guide my eyes and heart. Draw me deeper with thee.
Thou mine inheritance, now and always ❤️
Wow…. This has just been tearing my heart up. Is god my vision? Do k set out to set my sights on him?
GOD is IMMANUEL! Immanuel meanings, “GOD with us.”
Love this version of this song. After attending church 27 years nonstop, it’s easy to get used to the same songs. I liked stopping to focus on this hymns message.
This was incredible! Thank you.
I love this song so much. It’s a great remind on what our focus should be on.
Beautiful rendition of this hymn! Such a lovely thing to listen to, on a day when I am not feeling well, in a doctors office. Feeling low. But, Oh the riches of Jesus.
I love this!
Today I was convicted as I read to boast in the Lord, who practices steadfast love. As I prepared for a party at my apartment , I was feeling so inferior to others and focused on my own skills (or feeling lack there of). I lightly thought about my worth in Christ and moved on. However, this reminded me that I am to focus on who He is instead of myself. He is a God who loves!! That is enough. :)
Be thou my vision oh God…may I never lose my wonder..,
Lovely, amen.
This was what I needed to hear this morning! I have been struggling to feel God lately, but I know he is there. Abba, help me to keep you as my vision – the place where I keep my focus!
“God is still with you when your vision is unclear.” Needed to hear that this morning. I recently moved to a new state and have started a new chapter of my life pursuing dreams and trying to make them reality. I’ve been close to tears everyday; dreams to action are not easy! But even when I don’t have a clear direction, his presence still guides me. Resting in that.
Sarah I appreciate your testimony today. I too have similar circumstances (moving to a new state and trying to figure out life and relationships) and struggle day to day with giving it to God fully, giving up control. When I do I am reminded of what peace he brings to my life and my mind. He is with us always. I have learned that usually during these “unclear” moments when we feel completely lost and confused-are the exact moments he is preparing us and orchestrating the next big thing for us.
As I lay awake so early in the morning, I know God’s Holy Spirit is deep in my heart. I awoke from a terrible nightmare, breathing deep and over heated to where I was almost sweating. Yet for once I wasn’t afraid- part of me wanted to be, but that was the same part I gave up long ago, that I won’t let rule over me anymore. Anxiety has no place where a loving and truthful God lays. I will admit that I have been slack on my alone time with God for a few weeks now as I have been caught up in the day to day things- but it reassures me to know that He is always willing to pick up right where I left off. Thank you Lord for this word and your vision!
Thank you for sharing this! “Anxiety has no place where a loving and truthful God lays”. Such a beautiful truth to be reminded of today.
I was in a scooter accident two days ago, I flew over the handlebars and tumbled on the concrete until I came to rest a good 50ft down the road.
My last word before the accident was “shit!” and the first words after were “thank you Jesus!” as I rolled myself onto the median.
I have felt so distant. And yet God is so near! God be the apple of my eye. Take me deeper and deeper in love with you. Be my everything
I loved your insight about singing to our own heart for he is in us and not to the sky. What a great message and I love your singing!
I’m telling every gal I can about this app
The Lord is using this series to show me that he is hearing my prayers…..even the ones that never make it past my lips. What a word.
Thank you. This is what my heart needed this morning.
(Mandy, this was beautiful!) Thank you Lord for using her words to speak your life-giving truths into our hearts. May we always seek you as our vision, may our hearts only boast in your good ways, and may we find you & know you more intimately each day. This is my prayer for myself, my daughter, and every woman here.
Training for a race right now this resounds within my heart. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your heart Mandy! Beautiful words and your voice is so lovely!!
Love this hymn! It’s on repeat at night in my son’s room.
How old is your son?
“I sang it to my heart instead of to the sky.” This. This speaks volumes to me.
I agree. I need to focus on His nearness. God within.
Yes!!
These are the best! I love SRT! It just makes me want to read the bible more and now I’m reading it everyday!
One of my favorites…
Thank you precious Mandy! I needed this today and everyday. I can count on Him to be near, He did make that promise to me. he is faithful , that I am sure of.
Love you,
Rebecca
Lovely.
Every day, I can read this and connect with it.
Sometimes in getting into that mindset that I have to pray to God at a certain place and in a certain position for him to draw near to me, I find myself making excuses for not giving time to Him! By creating the false idea that God is only with me sometimes and in certain circumstances, I can excuse myself from having pray with him all day long…but when I am confident that God is near to me always as He has promised, I can pray without ceasing and He can be my vision always.
Yes!!
At last, sooemne comes up with the “right” answer!
Song!
Wow this son is so beautiful
I’ve been thinking a lot lately on how to stop striving so much and start resting in the Lord. I’ve had a relationship loss this last year and have been in the deepest mourning I’ve experience. God has been ever-present through it all and has taught me his love and grace through it. But as I open up to a world with new relationship possibilities, I’m struggling with focusing on needing a worldly relationship and trying to sit in intimate connection with God and trying to allow him only to hold my affections. This is more difficult than I imagined so I appreciate the reminder that God isn’t this far away sovereignty but that he is so intimately connected to us that he is dwelling in our hearts. Thank you for the reminder!
Linda Beth, I’m in the same situation as you and always find it encouraging to hear someone else’s testimony that I can relate to.
I need him to be my vision and know he is with me and hears my pleas for a child. He waits with me for his perfect plan.
Rebecca, my husband and I have been waiting for eight years for a child. I’m right there with you and will pray today for strength and peace for your soul today. So thankful for a Father who waits with us and a God who we can trust.
This is fast becoming my favourite hymn
The best hymn, so perfect for the Christian walk.
This has always been my favorite Hymn. I live near P Graham Dunn and they did a huge wooden wall plaque of this song w/sheet music for my Christian high school
I love this post. Such a great hymn. I love the focus on my forgetful self. I need Him to be my vision. I have spiritual amnesia. I forget that in Christ, I already have everything I need. Such a powerful reminder.
I love how God hits you square in the face during something you do everyday. I love gaining a new perspective to His grace and mercy. I am thankful for the reminder that He is near me today and everyday as I face challenges.
Gospel truth is still true, even when we struggle to believe it. What reaffirming words for my morning and my season.
The Lord is truly wonderful. He calls me, a sinner, his child. He loves me. I am so thankful. Thank You Lord for Your abounding presence in all things.
I meant, He calls me, (though I am a sinner), his child. Sorry for any unclear messages.
This helped me feel so comforted by the Lord while my fiancé is out of town 2 weeks out of the month for the next 3 months. I’m so glad the Holy Spirit lead you to write this. God bless you.
This is helping me with my anxiety with sleep. Be mine Lord.
This really hit me in a good way. Let God woo you. Let Him be what you think of when you wake up because you smell the roses or hear the rain.
Yes! He is the beauty in my life. He is my everything. <3
Love this!!
“Thou my best thought by day or by night”. I’m challenging myself to live like this was true today!
I’ve been humming the chorus of the old hymn “in the garden” lately which says, “and he walks with me and he talks with me, he tells me I am his own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known”. Sometimes I substitute “and he ROCKS with me” because I spend long hours in the rocking chair with my baby. The Lord is near. p.s. I am hoping that you do the hymn ‘in the garden’ soon! hint hint.
So appreciate the music and message as always! Such beautiful truth in day to day life. Thank you!!!
☺️this is a lovely hymn that allows me to recenter my focus on the true desire of my heart!
Thankful for this!
I live nature. Love to sit by the sea and hear the waves ebb and flow the constant never changing rhythm. This always brings me to a place of prayer . Psalm 119
My daughter's version of this song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THOwrFtVfw0
O
I just ended an affair with a very kind man vs my abusive husband that is "said" changed and I have been separated from for 8 months now…. I love the Lord with all my heart and NEVER thought I would end up here in my life; how did I end up so bitter that I let go of the One that puts the song in my heart and skip in my step for sin that has robbed me of my joy and taken me to a place where only confusion lives… Be Thou MY Vision Lord – refresh my soul everyday, for the rest of my life and let my children see it….Amen
Praying for you as you are trusting in God. Relationships are hard, we need so much and it’s so easy to forget God’s promise to meet our needs, and to try to meet our needs our own ways…praying sister!
I love this hymn so much, so thank you for making such a beautiful version! I always feel close to God when I hear this hymn. It has some feeling of intimacy woven through it that resonates with me as I grow in my faith, it’s like being woven into cloth. God is the strength in the weave that holds me together and prevents me from coming undone, even when damaged. Thank you SRT team!
Such beauty and love in this hymn and in all the encouragement here. To allow ourselves to rest in God … a precious thing.
I totally agree with you. I cherish the peace I find when I allow myself to release my worries and draw near to God.
I love the line “Naught be all else to me save that thou art” because whenever I say it, I have to really think about it… what do those works mean? And the truth and the prayer hidden in that old-fashioned grammar is breathtaking. Bless the Lord, O my soul!
I was actually just introduced to this hymn a few days before this was posted. Reading this today, the meaning is really sinking in for me and I have tears in my eyes because I realize how close He is. He is as close as my heart beat and we share a breath. And I think now that this is a song that I’ll always love.
I love the new in-app song feature by the way! So handy! Question: Will this album be available on Spotify?
Love!
I’ve been meditating on how literally each of our breaths come from Him recently. Thanks for reminding me!!
It’s great to read something that’s both enjoyable and provides prditamgsac solutions.
I always needed reminded to enjoy each day and not always be focused on what I want my life to be, but what God has planned for my life. This was just what I needed to read, thank you!
I agree claire!!
Thank you for this message. I’m in a busy season at work and haven’t had much time to rest. My attitude is getting bad and I’m becoming someone I don’t want to be through the frustration and fatigue. Thank you for reminding me that this is temporary and what we should focus on is eternal and so much better. I know this too shall pass and soon I will get some time off. Lord, be thou my vision while I’m counting down the days.
This hymn has been on my heart since this past weekend. I have a friend who doesn’t know Jesus as her Savior. She has just been told there is nothing more to be done in treating her cancer. As I have witnessed to her and she states she just can’t believe God is real, I have written this hymn as a prayer for her. Praying that her journey finds her in the arms of Jesus. Thank you for this heartfelt devotion.
Saying a prayer for your friend Barbara!
Thank you for the music. The voices are so beautiful. Today Mandy’s spoke to a part of me that is very deep.
Thank you Mandy for the beautiful devotion and rendition of this hymn. I have always loved this hymn, and after the rough day I had yesterday this was a breath of fresh air. Thank you Jesus for giving me what I needed today!!
I’ve felt convicted of holding God at an arms length recently. I feel like when I was in school, it made enough sense how and when to use God, but post-grad transition is so awkward, and what I’m learning is that God isn’t a tool, like I made him to be growing up – he wants to be in relationship with me. And that feels weird and abstract, but this hymn is such a lovely simple prayer.
Thank you for pointing this out. I said that the other night as I prayed. How I don’t want to have God in my life as a tool but as whom I have a relationship with. And though I’m a newly Christian I hope to learn and remember that as time goes by.
“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise, Thou mine Inheritance, now and always: Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.”
The Lord has really been teaching me about “where my treasure is” lately. Its ever so easy to get caught up in our lives and keep God distant (not on purpose). What a great reminder that he is not a distant God and doesn’t want to be. He is a God who loves us so much he sent the Holy Spirit to be with us always! I often sing the words to these hymns but do I really “sing” them and mean them? Today the verse from the song I quoted really spoke to me about God being our treasure. He in our hearts always, every hour, every minute, every day. We only have to look there not up to the heavens to find him. He is our greatest treasure and we have an inheritance in him! Most importantly He is the only treasure that will stay with us now and always.
amen. It’s true… and the fact that it’s really true is overwhelming.
God is near . . . oh how I need to hear this today! My husband told me last night that he wants to separate. My world is completely shaken, but He is near. Oh Lord, help me to feel your presence in this day!
My heart breaks for you. I’m so sorry for the pain you are in today. We have a God who is near, with us always, never changing. HE will never leave you. You are in my prayers.
Oh my heart wrenched when I read this. I cannot imagine how you are feeling or how you felt when he said this to you. I am praying for you and for your relationship with our husband. Run to God, over and over. Trust in Him, for He knows what your future holds, though everything must seem so uncertain right now!
I can’t imagine the complete and utter turmoil you must be in. Rest in Christ. He is sufficient and sovereign over this. I am so so sorry. Praying for restoration between you and your husband.
I admire your trust in that the Father is near even in this incredibly difficult time for you and your family. Praying for your relationship with your husband, and for you, that the Father would give you the strength to press through this and trust him no matter where he takes you. Rest in Christ’s abounding, steadfast love.
Look within to God. He is ALWAYS close. Not far off in the distance. This is awesome.
It’s such a beautiful reminder.
I was so excited when I read that one of the bible verses for today was from John 14! A few months ago I don’t think I’d even read the book of John and now it’s one of my favourites! God has been teaching me so much about his Spirit within us and it has literally revoulitionized my relationship with him.
Love the little reminders to look within for God and that he is always, always close to you, no matter how you’re feeling that minute, hour, day, week, month or year!
How do you hold onto this this when you feel like He has forsaken you? I’ve been in a place of isolation and loneliness for a year and a half, and it’s been a weary journey. What do you do when you’ve no support system and no encouragement?
You tell yourself, read yourself, and listen to truth and you find others who also tell you truth: He is with you always. He cares for you. Though you feel lonely, you are not alone.
You will not always believe or feel that truth. In fact, I find it a struggle to believe. I know that horrible feeling of being alone, but I find encouragement and I tell myself this out loud: "The Christian’s destiny is not loneliness but communion – an eternal relationship with God and his people. This is our hope."
From http://mysonginthenight.com/2015/05/26/psalm-142-…
Lonliness is real and I'm sorry you are experiencing isolation, Adrianna. I pray that you will no longer feel lonely but that you believe can find fullness and joy in God's presence (Psalm 16:11). He knows how you feel and you can tell him honestly. I also pray that you can find a community of believers to encourage you in his truth.
Thank for these words jay!! I can relate to Adrianna but your words shine truth! Thank you and so does this hymn
Adrianna I can’t pretend that I know what it is like to be in isolation for that long of a period. But, He has not forsaken you. SRT is a great place to start for support and encouragement. Talk to a pastor, meet people in the church. They will be more than happy to be support to you and encourage up daily. Many prayers for you.
Memorize his promises to you. They are truth and light. First one I thought of was Deuteronomy 31: 6 & 8. He will NEVER leave you or forsake you. Jenn and Jay both have great insight as well. Like in the Hymn and many of the commenters today said. Make Him your Best thought. Another exercise to try is sing Praises. God inhabits the praises of His people. When my brother-in-law was in recovery one of the mottos they used was “Fake it till you make it” Praying you WILL feel His presence today as you make HIM your best thought.
Hi Adrianna. I’m so glad for your honesty because God is after your honest heart. You were created for community. Isolation is a result of the sickness of sin in this world- not necessarily that sin is causing your isolation, but that we do not experience God’s perfect design for community because we are all subject to sin. I hear your loneliness. This is what the woman at the well in John 4 experienced- complete social isolation. I haven’t had five husbands, but I have identified with her search to quench loneliness. I love that the Bible brings this woman’s hurt to life and acknowledges that she matters so much to Jesus that he sends the disciples onward so he can be physically present with her. Jesus has the same divine appointment to set up with you, and it doesn’t have to end. It can be recurring any and every minute of every day. If you aren’t secure in a church you love, I highly recommend searching for one that builds community. You need to find another believer who will build you up and cheer for you. Someone to read and share truth with! Praying for God to send you friends that you can do life with (search Google for If:Gathering to see if there’s something local). I love how gently John 4 tells the woman at the well that she’s been trying to fix her life by waiting for the perfect person, and it’s not the men she’s lived with or the five she’s called husband but Jesus who pursued her- came to earth as a baby, leaving Paradise and the company of the Father to do it. He painstakingly visited her in totally taboo circumstances and told her that he would give her living water. Praying for him to bring you some living water in his word.
I have been in that place of isolation Adrianna ,and it is easy to become discouraged. Know that you are not alone. Isaiah 42:16 “I will lead the blind by the ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” If God is with us who can be against us? If you have the Holy Spirit in you are never alone. I will be praying for you !
Today this verse (Jeremiah 5:22) has been frequently on my mind and I thought I would share, "'Should you not fear me?' declares the LORD. 'Should you not tremble in my presence? I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross. The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it.'" I am praying for you this evening!
I too have walked a road of pain and desolation, where I thought there was no hope, only pain, separation and despair.
I now recognize these thoughts as wiles of the enemy, meant to distract me from the Truth. I am learning to dispel these thoughts AT THEIR ONSET, returning my focus to Jesus. Sometimes I have to do this
ten times in one minute!!!
You are neither alone or isolated! The devil is a liar! You are surrounded, filled, and carried by Love at all times. Keep turning back toward our Lord… He is there for you!
I ask, Lord, that all our sisters may feel your presence, know your light and your love, at all times, within themselves.
Thank you for never leaving us Jesus,
Amen
This is one of my favorite hymns and what a great reminder today that God is near and the Spirit is within.
What a beautiful reminder of how near God is . What a wonderfully rich journey we are on. Even when we forget, He is with us..precious!
Oh! This spoke to me today. I often look up at the sky when I pray or thank God for something during my day…this was such a great reminder that God is already here, right here within us in our hearts. God is near, not far off or distant. Beautiful!
This has long been a favorite and beloved hymn. Praying for you ladies today, that we we keep our eyes fixed on Him, our Wisdom, our Battle Shield, our Delight, our best thought, our Light, our True Father, our Dignity, our Sword for the fight, our soul’s shelter, our high Tower, our power, our inheritance, our Treasure, high king of heaven and ruler of all. Wow. May we know the truth of who He is and who we are IN Him!
My husband and I were just discussing Vision last night. We both seek to intentionally and prayerfully lay out a vision plan for our future. It is a bittersweet process. Sweet because I'm oh so grateful that we are both at a thoughtful place to do this with God. Bitter because thinking about Vision (for me) is hard. As much as I want to believe that big picture way of thinking is wired within me – much to my chagrin – I am more of an in-the-moment feeler. My husband kindly shared this perception, and it is true. Gah, it sure does explain why it's harder for me to vision plan…
BUT when I read Mandy's words, "Our God is always near to us, even when our vision is unclear." My heart wanted nothing more than to rest there. Because I can get so frustrated when what I want of myself doesn't work out the way I expect. But it is in that place – where I know little and believe that God knows much – where He is near and He meets me. Even now, even in the uncertainty for a vision. He has a plan. The best plan. And this reminder fills me with so much peace this morning. Because God is good. He will be our vision. He is drawing me into His presence at this moment, in these small details. And showing me pieces of my own imperfect-to-me heart with honesty and tender love. Encouraging me to choose contentment in myself just as He made me, and to rest in His sweet grace.
He is the vision of my heart … Singing this song to my heart all day long …
Yes! Yes! Yes! AMEN!
Ahhh thank you for these words!!! Praise God for he sees even when we can’t and draws us closer to him and rest with him.
Happy birthday Jarm….it is my birthday too today! Praying Christ wholly fills your vision today and this coming year! Be blessed birthday twin :)
Happy Birthday!
God bless your day too Shannon…Happy Birthday to you…xx
Thanks SRT for this reminder this morning. As I head into my senior year of college, I find myself overwhelmed by the thought of the real world coming into view. One year from now I don’t know where I’ll be, what I’ll be doing, who I’ll have around me or anything. In moments like this it’s so easy to get worked up about what I don’t know, and what I can’t yet see. At the same time, I keep struggling with so many other things I hope for in my life and asking when they’ll happen. All the while, I’m realizing over and over again that it is not my desires that lead me forward. God clearly has created a way for me in which to walk in the past and will be my vision into the coming years and later on into my life. I’ve wrestled so much with it because I think this is the deepest trust I’ve had to have in Him. But then, I’m glad that this has been such a big lesson to learn now. I just know He’s got a plan for me and part of that requires me to let go of myself and my idea of how my life is supposed to go and rely on him to direct my path. While my heart wrestles with that, I’m beginning to see the peace I have in depending on God, and that is beautiful. So I’m praying for this. For God to be my vision, for Him to keep working on my heart, and to begin to see through His plan instead of my own.
Taylor, I’m right there with you. Just completed graduate school and am searching for REAL WORLD jobs for the first time. I know my life could change drastically at the drop of a hat — in 2 months, I have no idea where I’ll be living. But with the Lord as our vision, He will guide us into beautiful places :) we can remain confident in that!!
As I struggle through my husband's illness,..Be thou my vision, Lord of my heart, Be thou my wisdom and Thou my true Word and mostly, Be thou my battle shield, Sword for the fight. I need thee oh, I need thee. Please be my best thought today.
Thank you for your authenticity, for sharing. Praying perspective for you, His vision.
❤️
Praying for you during this difficult time. I’ve walked where you walk. Be strong in the Lord.
I don’t normally comment but I was so encouraged by today’s devotion that I had to share. Before opening it up I was so hoping that this would be our hymn for today because it’s really speaking to my heart right now and Mandy’s words tied beautifully. Today I depart for a 2 week trip to Israel and Palestine as part of my master’s degree and leave behind my husband and for the first time other than occasional weekends my toddler daughter. I approach this trip with both anxiousness and excitement and pray that God will truly be my vision through this trip and that I won’t get caught up in homesickness and miss the beauty on the journey.
Oh Kat, I feel that pain and excitement all wrapped in one! I just returned from another 3 week missions trip to Malta and even though my "kids" are grown with lives of their own I still struggle with missing them and the USA. And every time I remind myself of what you have said, not to miss the joy of the journey…you will be back home with your loved ones before you know it ♥ praying for you this morning!
Kat~ Prayers lifted for you and your family this morning. Blessings on your travels! ENJOY!!!!!
I love this,!how powerful that He is in my heart!i know that truth but it is so amazing to read afresh John 14:20.i am in You!Being a parent to my three littles is such a blessing,but parenting my six year old boy is one of the most exhausting and of course rewarding thing I have ever done.He knows how to push buttons.i was so blessed to think that not only does He live in my heart..But He is my Wisdom!!and I so desperatly need that wisdom!and he My King has already WON the Victory!
I may not have 20/20 vision in my earthy body; however, I do have Rx for perfect spiritual vision: 2 Cor. 4:18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Now these are glasses I want to put on!
Amen, Valanne, Amen!
Amen!
Yes! :)
Be thou my vision, makes me think to the term "eyes of my heart" and even the Michael W. Smith song. Perhaps two songs saying similar things. Not only do I want to see God, but I want His spirit to move in me so that I see things with His eyes. I pray that my life is lived in unison with God because He IS always with me. "Thou and Thou only, first in my heart"! ~ B
I absolutely LOVE Michael W. Smith <3 ……
He is always near to us, even when our vision is unclear. What a reminder. LOVE this!
That first verse says "Thou my best thought, by day or by night…" Of all the things we ponder on, dwell on, think on and worry about, HE is our BEST THOUGHT any time of the day or night! I take it to mean if we would think on Him more, dwell on His Word, talk to Him throughout the day that we would be strengthened and continually encouraged.
As the scripture says to "Pray without ceasing" we know it doesn't mean to be on our knees 24/7/365…but to whisper 10 second, 30 second prayers throughout the day instead of storing it up to "actually pray" later. And then we don't, we forget, we have become busy, naturally, with our day. But Jesus is the best thing I could dwell on! He is the best One to talk to and the only One that can give that peace that passes understanding. Why, or why, then do we turn to other things? :(
He is our BEST THOUGHT….may I dwell more on Him and the Good Things as the other scripture says in Philippians 4:8…think on these things and let our mind be flooded with Truth and Righteousness.
“Thou my best thought” stood out to me, too! Centering my thoughts on Him today. Thanks for sharing!
Yes! You are right on here…..what a difference "dwelling on Him" makes in our lives…..I pray that I may keep my thoughts always with Him and all of the good things He has done….
Best thought. That is going to stick with me all day today. Thank you!
As is often the case with hymns, I sang them in my early years without really hearing them. I always imagined a blind person singing this, assuring himself that he would be okay because God would take care of him. Reading the lyrics as I listened to Mandy sing changed the picture in my mind's eye. I see, instead, a man who sees nothing but his Lord. Everything in his life is seen through spiritual rose-colored glasses. The Lord is his every thought, his light, his defender, his joy, his treasure. There is an intimacy with his Savior woven through the notes of this hymn. It is an intimacy I desire. It is available to all who believe through the Holy Spirit! That promise fills my heart with joy. I will sing this hymn to my heart as well. Be Thou my vision, my treasure, my wisdom, my heart!
You articulated exactly why we chose this song for me to walk down the aisle to at our wedding… eyes on the prize– not the bride!
How beautiful Missy!
I too "heard" this song for the first time…….really heard it….it is the prayer of my heart <3
Dear Lord,
Thank you that you are always, always near…even when I believe you are not…Thank you…Lord God, help me in those times to see, feel, know and believe truly, in my heart that you are ever near…Be thou my vision Lord…every day, every moment….be thou O Lord, my vision…Amen…
Good Morning…with love,… Sister's…xxx
Good morning to you Dear Friend! Hope you day is as blessed as you are and that you find Jesus near. ♥
Praying this right along with you Miss Tina…..AMEN!!! Have a wonderful day!
What a blessing to hear one of my favorite hymns and read your devotional on my birthday! Thank you.
Blessings to you on this special day! Have a great birthday!
Happy Birthday to you!! ♥
Happy Birthday, God enjoys making his daughter's feel extra special on their special day! :)
A very happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday! ENJOY!!!!!
Happy Birthday..Jarm…Be absolutely Blessed…today and throughout the year..xx
Yes I think this might be my favourite too! And the hymn itself truly beautiful.
it’s so many’s favorite… I guess that we all need to be pointed and focused on HIS vision.
Today’s devotion might be my favorite of all-time. He is near. And what a beautiful hymn. I love it. Thanks SRT.
Also, Team She Reads Truth, can we get today’s graphic as a new wallpaper option? I absolutely love it!
YES, please!!! :)
“Our God is always near to us, even when our vision is unclear.” I loved this fresh take on one of my all-time favorite songs!
I love this insight about the Holy Spirit already being in our heart when we pray. That idea, and the passage from John 14, both remind me of this passage:
"This command I'm giving you today isn't too hard for you or beyond your reach. It's not in heaven. You don't have to ask, "Who will go to heaven to get this command for us so that we can hear it and obey it?"This command isn't on the other side of the sea. You don't have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it for us so that we can hear it and obey it?"
No, these words are very near you. They're in your mouth and in your heart so that you will obey them." – Deut. 30:11-14
His word is in our hearts, and that's what makes it possible to obey Him out of love. That's what helps us embrace his vision for our lives wholeheartedly
Thank you for sharing this verse! My heart is full and was so encouraged by this.
You're welcome! This song and these verses always make me feel like my heart is full too.
Yes, thank you Hannah. I am blessed by the words from Deuteronomy, too.