Text: 2 Samuel 22:1-20, Psalm 139:7, 1 Corinthians 15:49
On the day his sister was married, in the picturesque village of Innellan on the shore of Scotland, George Matheson endured one of the most traumatic and unspeakable experiences of his life. So unspeakable, he would never disclose it; he would only say this: “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” (Dough 111).
The hymn was “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go,” which famous American hymnwriter Fanny Crosby would affectionately call her favorite (112).
Crosby and Matheson had something unique in common: they were both completely blind. Born with sight, Matheson’s eyes began failing over the course of his childhood, and he was fully blind by the age of eighteen. But that did not stop young George from pursuing what he loved. Coming from a wealthy merchant family in Glasgow, Matheson studied at the University of Glasgow and graduated with honors. He went on to become an influential pastor, leading a congregation of 2,000 members at St. Bernard’s Church in Edinburgh.
Believers from all over Scotland made the trek to St. Bernard’s to hear the blind preacher deliver his passionate messages from the pulpit, and congregants from all over the world sing his famous hymn to this day. Still, none but God and George himself will ever know what happened on that day in Innellan, as the man sat alone and furiously penned the words of this beloved hymn, the verses coming to him as if dictated by someone else. “It was the quickest work I ever did in my life,” he would later say. “I am quite sure the whole work was completed in five minutes” (111).
The Cross, the Joy, the Light, the Love—these were the truths that held tight to a Scottish pastor as he suffered through a pain he could not bear to name. They are the truths that hold us too.
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
George Matheson; Albert L. Peace
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.
O light that foll’west 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.
O joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
and feel the promise is not vain
that morn shall tearless be.
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.
Dough, Whitney J. The Hymnwriters: Our Unknown Friends: A Biographical Guide to British and American Sacred Song. Franklin, TN: Providence House Publishers, 1995.
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372 thoughts on "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go"
I love that even when we are confronted by things too powerful, overwhelming, or mighty to fight or do on our own, we can have the complete knowledge and faith that the Lord will rescue us. Indeed, his anger displays just how lavishly he loves and cares for us. It is a reminder to be completely dependent in the one who truly delights in us. ❤️
What a reminder to praise and exalt the Lord, not so He can give us something in return, but to set our hearts right in the midst of life’s troubles.
Good evening, She’s!
The latest Leo update… he has not had a fever for 24 hours, and seems to be back on the upswing to recovery. Thank you for your prayers and keep them coming, sweet sisters!
I’m so glad to have found this community. Thank you for suggesting this study. It is a reminder that God is holding me no matter what.
Good afternoon! Good to see so many in this space ! Thank you Searching for suggesting this study! I am familiar with this hymn but wasn’t aware of the history behind it. So thankful that His love will not let me go. Congratulations Kerry on your new grandson! Praying for you Teresa Donley as you wait for your doctor’s visit. One of my verses when I am going through a challenging time is Phillipians 4:6-7. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving , let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. When a negative thought comes into my mind I recite this verse and it helps redirect my thought from fear to faith. I have a prayer request for reduction in sciatic pain. Have a great day Shes❤️
@GrammieSue – praying for Nahla, that her body will continue to accept her new liver and she will fully recover – and for her mom, Molly – God’s peace and comfort.
@Kerry Rowley – congratulations on your new FIRST grand-baby!! Welcome Jack! Praying that the new parents will adjust well.
@Molly R. – praying your family will all feel good as new soon, and that it doesn’t’ turn into anything more.
@Rhonda J. – continued prayers for Brayden and Riley and for their family situations.
@Teresa Donley – continued prayers for you as you wait out the results of your tests.
I had my memory at the neurologist. Of course, the tester couldn’t tell me anything about the results, which have to be delivered by the doctor. My follow-up appointment with the neurologist is December 22! That seems like a long time to wait for such an important report. I’m going to call tomorrow to get put on a waiting list for a sooner appointment. As for the testing, I could tell that I probably did okay on some tests, and pretty much bombed on others. And some were so-so. I don’t know how that all shakes out to point to a diagnosis. I came home and put on my shirt that says, “Hang in there. God’s got you.” I’ve been saying “God’s got this.” It’s very refreshing to be reminded that he doesn’t just have the situation; he has me, His child, and I can truly rest in Him.
I am looking forward to this study. Todays reading was very uplifting for me, and as I read through your comments, it seems to have hit a delicate part in many hearts. I love when we see the Mighty Hand of God at work in so many lives.
I’m praying for:
KRISTEN LOUGHMAN – praying for Violet that she feels better and can perform at her highest level in both academics and sports.
TRICIA CAVANAUGH – praying for Robby to be able to get his tooth fixed quickly.
ADRIENNE – praying for Leo and family. May they feel God’s constant presence with them, and may God guide them and the medical team to make wise decisions on care.
COLLEEN DEVEAU – Bless your heart – you have a lot going on. Thank God that you and your family are in His Hands. I’m praying for your dad’s recovery from this life altering surgery. And for you, your uncle and your brothers as you pull together to meet his needs. I’m also lifting your family members who have contracted Covid. And I’m lifting you in prayer as you return to work. May God give you HIS strength to perform all the tasks on your overflowing plate. I have on a favorite t-shirt today that shows a sloth hanging by his nails from a tree. It says, “Hang in there. God’s got this!”
KERRY ROWLEY – Congratulations and praise God for your healthy baby grandson! There is truly nothing like grands. Holding you all in prayer.
GRAMSIE SUE – praying for little Nahla and her mother.
SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – praying for your friends that they will be comforted in their fertility journey.
RHONDA J- lifting Brayden and Riley in prayer. Praying God’s protection over them in the midst of a difficult and frightening environment.
MOLLY R – I’m praying that you and your children are feeling well enough to cooperate in your teaching community very soon.
Yes Lord, 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.
Prayers lifted up for our dear shes (COLLEEN DEVEAU, RHONDA, MOLLY R, KRISTINE LOUGHMAN, TRICIA CAVANAUGH, GRAMSIESUE, and other she’s). Michelle Patire, would love to hear the lyrics you wrote that was blessed straight down from heaven. Thank you KELLY NEO. This morning I logged into my work laptop, guess what happened, there are pages on google chrome of a tourist site in Utah which I never searched, and my laptop wallpaper got changed, the theme was changed to dark, and no one touched it. I felt so spooked. I feel this is a remote access that left its digital footprint. I am gonna report to IT team. I don’t know what’s going on, but Satan is definitely the source. I would appreciate your prayers if there’s any mischief behind trying to infringe my privacy through this laptop, may all demonic attempts be cancelled in Jesus’ Name. I have not heard back from the director either about the raise, so I will follow up with a thank you note. Thank you dear she’s.
Be blessed dear sweet sisters.
As I was going about my day, I was really reflecting on the line”…He delighted in me.” As many of you have commented, I initially thought, how does He delight in me??? Why would He do that? Most days I do not feel even close to delightful, that’s for sure! As I was thinking and reflecting, I listened to the SRT podcast. They talked about how WE delight in God’s creation. That got me thinking of things that I have created, and my children have created. Although none of those creations are without flaws, I do hold a level of delight in them. How much more does God delight in US, His creations, because He made us, and through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, we are redeemed and made whole. What a beautiful picture of God’s redeeming love!
20 He brought me out into a broad place;
he rescued me, because he delighted in me. – 2 Samuel 22:20. What a great reminder today!! Happy Monday ladies. @RHONDA J – praying for your son and grand baby! @MOLLY R – praying for your family and their illness! It’s definitely going around! Praying it goes away quickly.
Good morning She’s!
Thank you @Searching for coordinating all this! Praying for your requests and grateful for this community! ❤️
Sometimes in our darkest hours God can use us in the most powerful way. If only we would always rest in His arms when we are experiencing the most inexpressible pain
O love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
Love that will not let us go. That is so comforting to know that God will not abandon me. Oh God, let me find rest in you.
Posting twice, but as I was reading the additional comments of how He delights in us, not because of who we are, but who we are in Christ! The song by Rachael Lampa was playing in the background about striving for our own attributions rather than how the Lord see’s us, and it lines up so well today, and wanted to share some of the lyrics! I suggest you go listen to it as you read the words!
Somebody To You
If you said I was to die for
Then I don’t have to strive for your attention
Cause my heart is worth nothing less than
Everything
There’s so many stars in your sky
But I’m never lost in your eyes
I’m still the one you see… and you see
A promise that can’t be broken
The one you’ve already chosen
As I’m learning to believe
Prayers for the requests! What an amazing, ALMIGHTY, Sovereign God we have! He hears each one. I still ask for prayer for my grandson Brayden, and granddaughter Riley. They have such a harmful family situation that continues to escalate. Thank you!
RACHEL FROM TEXAS – I love Ascend the Hill!
This passage from Samuel is, to me, one of those “POWERFUL PASSAGES.” I often think of a big, deep voice narrating it and adding to the immense picture of God’s hugeness, power, and might. It makes me think of the passage in Job when Job questions God and God decides to answer. Makes me think of the title: God the Almighty! I always find myself taking deep breaths when reading these types of passages – like a physical response to the enormity! Wow. It’s good to be reminded of different attributes of God.
I would love some prayers over my little family. We are under the weather and missing out on our once-a-week homeschool co op today. As a homeschool family we often rely on that one day a week to be in Community and soak in those relationships. And as one of the teachers it means a sweet friend has stepped in to take over my class. We will take full advantage of the rest day, but hoping it doesn’t get any worse beyond the sniffles.
Good to “see” you all this morning. I, too, appreciate the leg work by SEARCHING to keep us all together. Love you, Shes.
DONNA WOLCOTT and KELLY NEO – I meant to mention that in my comment and forgot. I feel like that, too, and then I remember that He doesn’t delight in me because of who I am, but because of Who He is and the person He knows I am in Christ. The study notes on this Bible app mentioned when we take on the image of the glorified Christ! My mind can’t conceive it, but I know I can believe it! May we all make God smile at least once each day!!!
KRISTINE LOUGHMAN – I forgot to respond to you, too, in my previous comment. I love that you mentioned the broad places- great analogy! Praying for your upcoming broad place!
Good morning sisters, I am going to listen to this unfamiliar hymn today being sung by a couple of people. Lifting you each in prayer as I read the needs. As some mentioned, it’s hard some days to think that the Lord delights in me. This should make me want to try harder to follow His ways and not mine. Blessings for a wonderful week.
Good Monday morning SHES! The lyrics of this song are so beautiful and touching. My mind loves a good mystery, but it appears the prompt for this classic hymn was never discovered/revealed. We do know what prompted David to write the accompanying Psalm, however. The study notes say that David wrote it after his last battle with the Philistines and in the Psalm, David “expresses his gratitude for Yahweh’s salvation, deliverance, and covenant faithfulness.” As I read the passage in Psalms, particularly the last verse, I was reminded of Zephaniah 3:17:
“The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”
About the song: I read that background, too, last night, SEARCHING! I love historical notes that give us insight to the depth of the lyrics of a song. Thanks again for organizing this break time! ❤
So excited to see all of you this morning!
Praying for ROBBY, VIOLET, and NAHLA! And keeping all in my prayers!
Good morning She’s and happy Monday. That’s all I have time for this morning. Have a wonderful day. I’m going to look up this hymn as I don’t remember it.
This song of David’s is so wonderful! When we realize that God really hears us! The God who created the universe hears us! Wow, it makes a difference! So thankful for His love and mercy!
Good morning SHE’s. I’m joining in on the 2023 reading. I bought this book a few years ago and never did the study. I’m glad to be doing it now. A PRAISE my first grandchild was born 2 weeks ago. Praise God for this healthy baby boy, Jack. Please pray for him and his parents as they continue adjusting to new life.
Praying for your family and you!
Good Morning, Shes!
Happy to see so many of you here.
Please add a little girl to your prayers. Nahla is 5 yrs old and just received a liver transplant yesterday. Her mother is Molly, a single mom.
Lifting you ladies up in prayer. Thanks for the update Colleen.
Hugs to all ❤️
My favorite version of this hymn is from Ascend the Hill. Going to play it on rest today. I love songs that remind us or have truth embedded in them. Easy to get stuck in your head and hum along all day! <3
What a beautiful song of praise David wrote! There were two verses that reminded me of other scriptures: vs 17 – He reached down…took hold of me, he drew me out of deep waters/Isaiah 43:2 – “when you pass through the waters I will be with you…they will not sweep over you…” and vs 20 – he rescued me because he delighted in me./Zephaniah 3:17 – “the Lord your God is with you…he will take great delight in you.” I love how scripture connects to other scripture! Also what beautiful words to the hymn – O Love That Will Not Let Me Go. I did a little further searching and found out a little more of George Matheson’s story. If you’re interested you can find it here: https://joshweidmann.com/blind-preacher-saw-quite-well-short-bio-george-matheson/
Asking prayer for a dear sister in Christ. She has a little 20 month old son – after 3 miscarriages. She and her husband love children and would like to have another. A few months back she had an ectopic pregnancy and just this week suffered a fourth miscarriage. They are quite understandably devastated. They are going through such deep waters once again. Please pray that Lord willing she will be able to conceive and carry the baby to full term.
@Kristine Loughman -praying for your daughter Violet, may she feel better today and be able to participate in all the school activities coming up.
@Tricia Cavanaugh – praying that Robby’s tooth can be fixed asap! That’s tough to have to go to school with a broken tooth for all to see.
@Coleen Deveau – continuing to pray for your daddy as he goes through this surgery and for recovery. So happy you & your brothers had the time with him. Praying for your family to heal from covid very quickly and that you don’t get it!
A blessed Monday to you all!
@my SRT sisters – continuing to pray for all your requests.
GM She’s!
I have never heard this song, although I am a great lover of all old hymns and new worship music. It’s all I listen to! Thank you for the added research on this song @Searching, that added more richness to the song. I haven’t gone to youtube to listen to it yet. “A love for us that will not let us go..” Praise God He never lets us go. But to know that…I am so happy I know this truth. No matter what is going on in our lives, he NEVER lets us go. Let us turn to him, in that comfort, the shelter beneath his wing when we need it. And let us turn to him daily for our daily bread, in the good and the bad that comes our way, praising our Savior all the day long. He is our maker after all. It is so amazing to be in the word daily with you all to learn the truth from our maker. God breathed, moving and active, for then and for now.
Good morning, Shes. God bless you and keep you. Reading your comments and praying peace to your situations and families in Jesus name:
Kristine L, Erb, Adrienne, Colleen D, Tricia C, Kelly (Neo), Cee Gee, Searching, Mercy, and Foster Mama… Names I see and know so far here in this corner. :)
May we keep our eyes on Jesus, the Lord of all, and keep in step with Him as He guides us into the Day of His coming. Peace be with you all <3
@Searching- love your additional research on this hymn. There is a song I wrote last year that came very quickly, yet it is one that continues to minister to me, daily. It's about waiting on the Lord, but while waiting not being idle– staying obedient in working and trusting in Him.
It took me about two hours to write the chords for guitar and pen the lyrics. Usually, songs have taken me much, much longer. But that song was "downloaded" from heaven super fast. To the songwriter, it is a beautiful gift from the Lord when the song comes that easy. It requires little work on our part. Not sure if anyone else here writes and can attest to it ;) thankful for worship music and the Psalms of David that can easily transfer the Word of God/Truth into our hearts. <3
Have a wonderful week my girls!!!
God has our backs so much! I never noticed the anger He expressed when David was in that place. He feels that way about us too. We are His, and He loves us so much that he will not let us go. I will ask for an update from my friend, Shari, on Leo later. Be blessed today, sweet sisters.
Thanks again for finding this study for us, during these grace weeks, SEARCHING.
@ADRIENNE & @GRAMMIESUE, praying for Leo and his parents. I have a small inkling of what they are going through… God, be with them and provide for them all that they need as you just so graciously did for me this past week. You are the God of the Impossible. Make Yourself known to them and to all around them. @GRAMMIESUE, God, comfort Lyle and his family and give wisdom to those who are physically and spiritually with them. @LYNN FROM ALABAMA, prayers for your situation. God is near. @TERESA DONELLY, prayers for you as well for peace and comfort and positive, encouraging results in your journey going forward. God is with you. @SHES, I am praying for each of your requests as well. I will try to come back here today to mention some of you by name. GOD IS WITH YOU. BE OF GOOD COURAGE.
SEARCHING – Thank you SOOO MUCH!!!! I have had so much going on that I haven’t had time to read the comments about what was happening!! Like I said I vaguely remember SRT mentioning a “break” but couldn’t remember more than that!! I will join you all in the two 14day studies!! ❤️
Here are my highlights/notes from today:
1 Corinthians 15:45-50
**I like the distinction of natural and spiritual in these verses. Living/Life-giving, dust-earth/Heaven, earthly man/heavenly man, flesh/Spirit. The perishable can NOT inherit the imperishable!!! A good reminder of how differently the natural & spiritual operate!! Let us live for the eternal, keeping in mind that we are image bearers for Christ!!
Psalm 139:1-18
Psalm 139:23-24
**What stands out to me in this chapter is that God KNOWS us from the inside out!! From before we were even a thought to the end of our days, He KNOWS us!!! We cannot escape this knowing!! He goes with us EVERYWHERE and is WITH us, in whatever we do!!! Verses 4-8. Wow!! …This whole chapter is full of assurances and accountability!!! May we choose to KNOW and LOVE God in the way that He chooses to know and love us!!! Amen.
2 Samuel 22:20
**He rescued me because He delighted in me!! Wow!! ❤️
Good morning, Sept 2023 Shes (I felt as if giving those who may read this in the future some context for why we are appearing here now. Thank you, God & SRT, for Grace Weeks!) I disappeared for a bit as I was in FL dealing with my father’s, Adam, health situation. I returned with my brothers to NY on Saturday. I wish I could tell you all that God has done for my family over those five days, but I don’t want to clog up the comments. Hopefully, I can share more in the future. Thank you so much for keeping my family in your prayers, especially those of you who mentioned me by name each day. May God continue to bless you. UPDATE ON MY DADDY FOR TODAY: He is going in for surgery today for an above-the-knee amputation. Please keep this in your prayers. Pray for my Uncle (in FL) and brothers (in NY) during this time. Pray for my husband & children, mother, and in-laws who contract a new strain of COVID while my brothers and I were away. Pray for me as I return to work today. Please just pray. There are so many other requests.
Such powerful & faithful words from a place of immense (and I’m guessing here as to source) emotional pain. We see David’s faith in these words from 2 Samuel to remind us that God SEES us, no matter where we are – whether seeking him or running from him – He sees each of us. We can call on Him and He hears us, no matter where we are.
I would use the description of “anointed” for this hymn (words, and also music – see info farther down), quickly written as he said – and he also said (found from several sources) that he had no natural gift of rhythm in writing and these words came “like a dayspring from on high.” Here’s what I found about the tune:
The Scottish hymnal committee asked Albert L. Peace, a well known Scottish organist, 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.” (source: Diana Leagh Matthews). It’s on YouTube by many, I listened to Gaither Vocal Band version and also David Phelps’ solo version.
Also – I love to find worship songs/choruses in Scripture (technically I guess it’s the opposite) as in 2 Samuel 22:4 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. NKJV
TRICIA CAVANAUGH – praying for Robby for quick repair! Thankfully dentistry techniques are so advanced these days.
KRISTINE LOUGHMAN – praying for Violet, that she quickly feels 100% for this important week.
Looking forward to this study with y’all!
ERB – I saw your post over on Deuteronomy (one of SRT’s 28-day suggestions) when I was checking for stragglers :) ❤️
SRT (starting today) has 4 Grace Weeks. Several of us are doing 2 14-day studies instead – starting today with Worthy of Praise (yay! You found us!), and second one is likely The Beatitudes. so happy to see you!
Hi SHE’S!!! It took me a minute to find you all this morning!!! Can someone fill me in on what’s happening? I vaguely remember something about SRT taking a break by repeating some studies…? What’s the duration of this repeated study break? And what repeated studies will our community be doing during this time?
Sorry for all the questions!! But thank you in advance for answering them!!! I LOVE this community and don’t want to lose it!!
Looking forward to hearing from you!! Xoxo
“He brought me out into a broad place;
he rescued me, because he delighted in me.” 2 Samuel 22:20
TRICIA – I also love the idea of the Lord delighting in me! I like that David used the imagery of a “broad place”. I imagine after hiding from Saul, sheltering in caves, scurrying from shadow to shadow, what relief to finally stand out in the open, a broad place where you can see for miles, feel the sun and wind on your skin, knowing that you’ve been rescued. We are coming up on a crazy time of year, with the first round of report cards and parent-teacher conferences. It’s easy to feel pursued by the work! But first our school district gives everyone a one week Fall Break starting next week, and it reminds me of David’s Broad Place. I plan to breath deeply and find restoration before plunging into the work again!
Ladies, will you pray for my eighth grade daughter Violet? She is not feeling well and has an important week of school and sports before our break.
“[God] rescued me because he delighted in me.”
Some days it is hard to imagine that I “delight” the Lord God Almighty, but in Christ I do!
ADRIENNE – continued prayers for Leo
TAMI C – praying for Chela to make connections and create community that will settle her anxiety.
MERCY – praying the Lord shows you the way forward with your job.
I shared something earlier. Not sure where it went. Anyways, we will see if it and this shows up. Please pray for my grandson, Robby. He is 10. He knocked part of his top front permanent tooth out yesterday. It didn’t go to the root, thankfully. We are hoping he can get it fixed in the next couple of days. He says he’s a bit embarrassed. Bless his heart. Thank you ladies!
Beautiful song. I think I may have skipped doing this study when we did it. I’m glad to be doing it now. The verse that really stuck out to me is 2 Samuel 22:20- “He led me to a place of safety, he rescued me because he delights in me.” (NLT). That very same verse is in Psalm 18:19. I love to read how God delights in me. Thank you Lord!
Have a wonderful Monday dear Sisters. You are in my prayers. ❤️
Wow, this study is from October 2016. That’s right after I moved to NYC in my 20s and started pursuing the Lord a lot more seriously… excited to start this tomorrow with you ladies. :) thank you @Searching. See you guys in the AM!!
FOSTER MAMA ❤
FOSTER MAMA
Yaaaaaay, it works!!
That morn shall tearless be :)
That hymn is beautiful! And full of great truths.
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Amazing ❤️
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Love this.
Wow Soo timely. Thank you
my soul is quite weary as i’m writing this. i have been studying for my mcat for 4 months and i’m taking it next week. i am feeling every emotion possible and i haven’t been able to have an outlet through worship due to my home church being online because of the pandemic so i’ve been really aching. this really refreshed me and gave me hope that everything will be okay as i continue this road to becoming a doctor. beautiful beautiful words
my soul is quite weary as i’m writing this. i have been studying
Praises for the never ending, never failing, perfect love of God.
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God has been a continuous source of peace and redemption in my life. He has NEVER left me in my dark places. He always found me and lifted me up to the light. Giving my life to him has been the greatest decision of my life!♥️
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Love this❤️
Beautiful encouragement.
I need prayers for my daughter . Thank you in advance
Prayers lifted
I will pray!
the message I needed to hear today ❤️
I sang that song many times growing up. I love the old hymns. It’s nice to know the background of the song
Beautifully written! Lord, thank you for never letting us go. For pursing us relentlessly. For putting a deep ache in our hearts, reminding us that there MUST be something more to this life! Lord, You are so good. I do not deserve Your love, Your forgiveness. But I am infinitely blessed because of Your grace. May I do all that I can to take the gifts You have given me and serve others. To continue this cycle of love and service— that is my heart’s greatest desire.
It’s crazy to see the ways God moves through our trials and continues to go before us.
Great story❤️
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It’s beautiful to be loved in this way.
his steadfast love is forever ❤️
Love this hymn
A sorrows bit triumphant Story and him
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My God is worthy of my praise and adoration
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god is here
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Ephesians 5:18-21
HalleluYAH! God is soooo good! I’m so thankful that He promises to never leave us no forsake us!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
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Beautifully written
I had never heard/read this hymn before. It really touched my heart. ❤️
Although the song came from a dark place, it lifts me up and I’m sure has lifted many others from a dark place.
It reminds of my favorite hymn, How Great Thou Art.
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Check out O Love That Will Not Let Me Go [Heritage] by As Isaac on Amazon Music
https://music.amazon.com/albums/B077ZN51B1?trackAsin=B077ZQPLQX&ref=dm_sh_vBdzgmlBGaDiqS7DwNOpsrG1E
Listen to this rendition of the song…Check out O Love That Will Not Let Me Go [Heritage] by As Isaac on Amazon Music
https://music.amazon.com/albums/B077ZN51B1?trackAsin=B077ZQPLQX&ref=dm_sh_vBdzgmlBGaDiqS7DwNOpsrG1E
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Oh joy that seekest me through pain.
Amen
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love this!
i loved that
God is consistent, never failing, always there. My fear doesn’t stand a chance when I’m with Him!
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Fulfilling my soul and reliance on Jesus
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“18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support.
20 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.”
I love this section ❤️
Filnyla! This is just what I was looking for.
love love love❤️
It’s amazing how God works. I was struggling with this and when I opened this app this was the passage that I happened to read. He heard my prayer and the Lord demonstrated to me again that he’ll never let me go. I’ll always be his.
Walking through troubled storms myself..I will praise Him in it.
Same here Theresa but let’s continue to trust and commit to him.
Even when I try to let go, and find other answers… when I try to fill my soul with the things of this world, YOUR love will not let me go. Thank You, Father for holding on to me when my grip slips.
Thank you, SRT community for this reminder.
When I’m tired and hurting lord you’re the shelter I run to !!!!!
What a great reminder that “yea though I walk through the valley of the shadows of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.”
honestly this is what i needed. i’ve been struggling so much with keeping God as my rock and this was just the reminder i needed that when i do struggle, he hears my cry. that he is never going to leave me no matter how distant i become or how many times i mess up.
God is so good.
God is so amazing!!
Love love love!
An old hymn that I love! Thankful God’s love is that deep!
These passages and this hymn is beautiful. It reminds me that amidst the ordinary of everyday life, there is an all consuming, passionate and powerful God who is sovereign He is above all but also beside me, loving me despite my sin and failures. Praise and glory to Him
Well said Elizabeth. This blessed me ♥️
I love that will not let me go! That is what we all need-to be satisfied in Him.
I fell In love with today’s reading. I’m still trying to understand a lot about the Bible. Even though I excepted Jesus Christ long ago into my heart as a teen. Growing up into this 26 yr old mind with three kids who strive for me to teach them right, I have no choice but to turn to the word. He is my shelter in these storms. I can only run to him for safety. Bc if I do it in my own will I am turning away from him and turning into the world but if I turn to him and seek from him then I’m turning and saying Lord I trust you bc your heavens is near to me.
It’s meaningful to hear the story behind this great hymn. Love this one!
This is exactly what I need to read
Can somebody explain “I lay in dust life’s glory dead” please? God Himself planted the words “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” in the middle of the night a week or so ago in my sleep and I have been listening to a variety of versions since just wondering exactly what message God is giving me and for whom.
Means this life is dead and we are in the glory of heavens gate when we take God into our hearts.
I had walked away from God for a long time and am just now starting to involve Him in my life again. This was the perfect way to start. God was with me, even when I wasn’t with Him.
I’m doing the same thing right now too. Recently I’ve gone through something that brought me back to Him. I’m glad you have found your way back & I’ll be praying for you.
49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
This is so very thought provoking.
I recently rededicated my life to the Lord, I have been reading in these plans and it has made me question why I begin to run in the first place. Please keep me in your prayers as I journey back on this beautiful path.
That’s awesome, Alexa!! Praying for you today.
Hi Alexa. Please let me know how I can pray for you as you rededicate your life to Christ.
I have been struggling with things in my past, and I have never asked for prayers before, but I feel that I need them now more than ever.
I just prayed for you!
I pray that He is resting upon you now. I pray He fills you with His wisdom, and guidance in order to conquer your past.
Just prayed for you. It is well
Prayed for you this morning. Have a beautiful day.
Hello fellow readers. I would just really love some prayers for my friend who was diagnosed with cancer. she is only in highschool and the treatments can be hard. but most importantly I want to pray for God to fill her heart during this time and give her the opportunity to strengthen her faith. because God is all powerful and can do amazing things.
I will remember your friend in my prayers tonight!
What a great truth to cling to after not taking time for God the past couple months. He desires for us to spend time with Him, but even when we are selfish and don’t, I know that He won’t ever let me go based on my actions.
He’s saved me so many times he’s saved me from death and the wickedness of man glory be to His Holiness
How wonderful that no matter what we are feeling, that what we are going through can never close us off to God’s love and the life we have through Christ’s death.
Need some prayers. Thankful for scripture especially today.
Sending prayers your way. Today was rough. So reassuring to know that he will rescue us and delights in us regardless.
like the Bible says be still and know I am God and I believe that he was still and knew he was God and that is why he was able to write this beautiful amazing song In such a short time because the holy spirit spoke right thru this gentleman.
Jennifer I am sorry for your loss, God has a reason for everything and I am glad that this song was able to speak to you through God I will be praying for you. Pslams 30:2 is one of my favorite verses to read, Oh Lord you heard my cry and you healed us.
It is honestly amazing the way God works; there is definitely power in his name!!
I love this and I’m so glad I started this devotional and downloaded this app!
God just led me to discover this app today I’m so excited I love how He works…. This was awesome Oh the love can’t wait for day 2
This was like the best thing EVER I can’t even explain
I really liked this :):) it really touched me in a way I can’t explain :);):)
Very beautiful. Great inspiration from God’s words. Really touching.
The devotional was great but listening to the gym brought it to light for me…tears streaming down my face!!! Encouragement I needed to hear right now!!!
Beautiful words. Both David’s and matheson’s. Our Lord is our rescuer. There is none more powerful!
My heart is so full.
Mine too. ❤️
So much I gained from this devotional and it really brightened my day that with God, nothing can be limited.
Our God really is almighty. Sometimes I wonder why I never seem to feel or see his presence in my life as much as the Bible depicts it as. But reading things such as this reminds me that there are present day miracles, and God is the source of all of them:)
In the silence remember that the teach does not give speak during a test. And that God is very much right there with you and watching
Wow. This is amazing
That’s good
We serve such a great God!
The Lord is the one who saves us, and we can take comfort that even in our darkest times He will pull us into the light
Amen!
Try the version by indelible grace music…incredible.
Thank you for posting what a awesome God we serve.
I love the Robbie Seay band version of this!
One of my favorite hymns.
Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes on the morning light. God is the God of restoration, healing, and comfort. He is the Perfect Father
Omg this made me feel like God was truly present
Robbie Seay Band has a good cover of this song, it’s good to listen to it as your read through the hymn.
Thank you! I was just wondering where to find a good rendition:) god bless!
Thank you for posting this!! Just bought the cover! What an amazing and encouraging song!
I need to remember this
God is always with us. Even when we cannot see him.
I feel so content after reading this.
This song is a beautiful love story between God and him. It shows the love for God the dependence on the Savior and the comfort in knowing Our Lord is with use. I love it!
so authentically beautiful
I’ve never heard this hymn before but the words are just beautiful. A simple reminder of just how strong God’s love for us is. It’s an easy thing to forget daily when we’re not always in the word and consciously thinking about it, and I know I struggle with it every day, but it us such an important thing to remember. God’s love will never let us go.
Indeed God is our refuge and strenght and his love is deeper than the ocean,longer than the river,wider than the sky and greater than all treasures in this world. Praise be to God
This message and the whole comments section is so beautiful and heartwarming. ❤️
When I feel like I am so heart broken or unworthy or scared or that I owe more to God than I’ve been giving the best way to fill that is by giving Him praise an important decision is being made tomorrow that’s going to be a major change one way or the other has been on my mind so long and I am giving it to our Ultimate God He is in control and no matter the outcome goes it will be for good He is still good He is still good Dear Lord please take this from our hands
Truly gorgeous
I’m finding it so difficult to feel God’s presence at.the moment. This was a great reminder of his unfailing love. Thank you.
Praying for you Melanie, Gods presence is always there, may we open our hearts and minds to be aware of Him and his unfailing love.
Thank you! God is so good and I thank him for the light in darkness and day
Thank you for the hymn. It’s reassuring.
I am actually in a space where I want to give up, but this hymn is actually keeping me motivated by the grace of God.
I’m in a similar state or more so unsure confusion and this hymn and his story gets me craving to channel that passion I have, but that has been placed under piles of worries & fears of making a mistake…time to dust those away!
God is so good! I am praying for you, Sibitiwe. Cling to God during this time and let Him give you the strength that you need to carry on! You will get through this time!!
I am so excited about doing this study of hymns over the next couple weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. So much to be thankful for! Including SheReadsTruth!
This is one of my absolute favorite hymns and reminds me of the story behind “It Is Well With My Soul”
Haven’t read the word for over a year and been suffering with ptsd for quite some time. This was beautiful to read finding it very relevant to my own current miseries. How awesome God is that can plan my reading of this entry just as I need it. We serve a loving Father and I don’t know why He loves me but am grateful He does. Please pray for me as I continue to struggle and learn to cope with my ailment
Praying for you, Brittany! You’re a strong lady and I’m glad you’re finding strength as you overcome your ptsd.
Brittany, I’m praying for you. God loves you more than you can ever fathom and He will not let you down. Know that in any situation, He can make you strong! Not sure if you are the B.M. I know, but please reach out to me if you ever need anything.
Brittany, I have PTSD and I have also struggled reading the word recently. It’s not easy but what I remind myself is that he loves me even on the days when I feel I don’t make the cut. He still adores me and he adores you.
This is beautiful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_WimyX3gC4
Hey ladies, I have a question. I’ve seen several references to “Sheol” in some plans I’ve read, including this one. What is Sheol?
Hey Jillian Sheol is generally translated to death hell or the pit. But Our GLORIOUS Father comes in like a racing wind the these times of trouble. Hope this gives you a better understanding of scripture!!
Thanks Tori and God bless!
I like the Bible especially this first chapter
Hey
Hello :)
I absolutely loved this topic! I really needed it as well. I believe that God creates communities so that we can hold each other up in times of pain, sin, and destruction. I ask that this community prays for me to remember the truths that God has given us–Truths of the cross, the joy, the light, and the love he has so beautifully given to us!
Such a sweet reminder that we are not alone. I am currently on a place where like it says in
Samuel 22:5 The waves of death swirled about me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
I am in the time of struggle. I needed this reminder that the Lord is with me.
Love this rendition! https://youtu.be/j_xz7LsWRvI
love that!
Wow, what a beautiful rendition. thanks so much for sharing, Katie!
Beautiful hymn!
Thank you all…. my heart is overwhelmed by all of your compassion. This means so much.
I have prayed for your friends Annabell. Prayed for peace for you too.
My prayers go out to your loved ones Annabell!
This doesn’t really have anything to do with this bible study topic… i just really need some prayer for those close to me. Someone who is like a mom to me, has a sick parents who are constantly in the hospital. She is strong for me, and everyone else who needs her. But I know she needs someone to be strong for her. She and her parents just need lots of prayer please. Prayers for healing, courage, peace, and strength. Im so grateful for her because she helped me really know Jesus, not just check him off of my homework list. So please please pray. Also i have a friend who had a death in their family yesterday, and shes just so sad and broken and she needs peace and love so please pray for her as well. I hope someone reads this and can join me in praying for healing for these people.
Thank you.
I joined with you in prayer for them this morning!
Praying now for your friends, Annabell!
This all means so much… thank you everyone
Sending up prayers for you!!!
Hi Annabell, I will be in prayer for her including your friend. So sorry too hear what has taken place … I beleive so deeply and wholeheartedly that God will send you comfort during this time in your life , I pray that peace transcends over you, and a everlasting joy you find through this..
Truly a reminder that as we praise God, especially in our valleys, they will echo into the heavens and God will receive our praise and deliver us. He by the tap of His feet will shake the whole earth and part the heavens and bring deliverance to us. He will shake the gates of hell and allow them not to prevail. To praise to praise to praise, even when it hurts! :)
Thank you! I needed what you said. I am praising God through one of the darkest times in my life and it’s not easy but I pray God continue to give me strength!
I love how 2 Samuel 22:20 tells us that God’s faithfulness is because he DELIGHTS in us. He not only Mighty to save, but HAPPY to save us. Such a sweet reminder!
I downloaded this app this weekend at the abundance conference in Frisco! I’m so excited to dive in
Yay, Maggie! It was such a joy to be with you this weekend!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Sweet reminders from God❤️
Being 52 and growing up in the church, these hymns are so familiar to me. I can’t read the words without the tune going in my head. The words and tune are forever entwined. However, when I force myself to slow down and concentrate on the words, there is so much more there than I ever knew. Even with the songs we sing today in church, I am guilty of singing without really processing what I’m saying.
I can relate Lois.
❤️
“I give thee back the life I owe.” I am a sinner which I confess. God has spoken to me and I finally let him in after all these years of knowing Him; or so. This time he awoke me from this dreadful life I wasted. I am restored and I pray I keep my faith in Him because I know there is not much time left. He knows Me. He’s going to Save Me.
Praising the Lord for His salvation in you today!!
Love it
L
Today is my first day using this app so far I like it a lot I see myself growing in the word and spending my time with God. Although I am going through a terrible storm I know that God will bring my family out. What I learned is to love your middle meaning to learn to love what you’re going through because your greatest tragedies is your greatest blessings. Some of us including myself tend to pray pray pray when it get real tough and want God to bring us out but not wanting to go through the process we have to go through the process which is the middle in order to become victorious it’s not easy but what we go through is a testimony to help our brothers and sisters . It’s a lesson learned everyday that what I have to remind myself when going through a trial and tribulations God bless you all .
my first time too! enjoying it!
This is the best app I ever used
I’m new to this app and already love it! So encouraging!
Absolutely agree!!
As a 20 year old in 18 hours of college and 40 hour work weeks I am constantly over whelmed. Today I was reminded that with him I will not fail. I read this lesson and i was comforted with feelings of calmness and refilled with energy to continue the week.
I was reminded that he will never leave me or forsake me.
He is a great god.
He really is. As a 24 year old graduate, just want to tell you that in those moments when you feel overwhelmed, stressed and anxious, remember that God will always be your strength. The hard work will all be worth it. I’m sure you’ve heard that over and over, I sure did but on graduation day, it actually all sunk in and hit me. So, don’t worry about a thing God will help you get through. Trust me it’s all worth it :) keep going!
God is amazing!
Thank you for this amazing tool and how easy is to be part of the real body of Christ, one more time my father writes what I need to see, read and make in my life a reality
I don’t know everyone of you but you all are already in my prayers
This is also my first time on this forum and I found myself awake last night unable to sleep because I my heart has been very troubled and I am letting my past mistakes consume me. I am forgiven. I should of have come to God first with all my troubles. He is with me and continues to love me and take care of me despite my shortcomings. I’m praying for all you ladies in your various circumstances and truly found some peace with this reading. God is with us all and will not leave us!
Gods love never changes.
It’s my first time on this forum. I feel so grateful for all of the blessings written here. The scripture is exactly what I needed to hear this morning as I’m in a lot of fear. I pray to turn it all over to God and to ask Jesus to come into my heart. To be with me and to guide me in trust and faith and his vision for my life. To really practice that his love will not let me go if I return to it’s safe keeping.
So confused about my relationship, I need God’s direction.
You are loved.
I’m assuming you mean a personal relationship- If you don’t feel like it’s something God would want for you, seek to let it go. Praying for you!
I really needed this today
I am praying for you Emily
Oops! Emilie :)
God hears our prayer. Just when you get tired and about to give up, kneel. He will never let you down and would provide you everything that you need, in time. This song is about true love. God bless. Praise the Lord our God.
I needed these words today!!
I will live strong and courageously giving praise in the arms of my savior ararms o
I was so pleased to find this study on the old hymns which are one of my passions and then to see this particular one which I was unfamiliar with when I found it written in my mothers bible. I had a friend sing it at my mum’s funeral and it has become a favorite to me. When we are weary we can find complete comfort in our Lord.
I had never heard this hymn before…what a beautiful message and story!
“I rest my weary soul in Thee.” Yessssss. My soul can get so weary – with daily responsibilities, with sin, with the simple fact that I am human with limited energy. It’s such a relief to know that I can find rest in Jesus. He is so compassionate, he knows that it’s hard to be us.
Your post was so encouraging to me. Especially the last line. Thank you for sharing.
I just got this app today and am hoping it helps me to continue living my life for Christ. I, as everyone, struggle with sin and sometimes turn away from the Lord. I hope and pray these devotional will help me confess my sins and live in the light of the Lord.
Jessica, I have found this devo really helpful in my walk as well. It is a daily decision turning away from sin and towards Christ, but thankfully we know Christ has won over sin :) I hope you find community in these posts and I will be praying for you!
O Maddie, I am new here too, but we are not new to God our maker. These devotionals are tools to help us find completion in the only one who completes us…Christ Jesus. He is healer, seeker of the lost and friend. Glad to be on this journey with you in Him.
I am new here and hoping and praying that I will find completion from these devotionals. I feel so lost and alone and I know only God can heal me and help me find my way back. God bless you for these devotional
Praying for you!
I know that when we lost my cousin, what gave us the greatest comfort was knowing where he was and who he was with. part of my family got mad at God, but I know in my heart that He cried every tear with me, held my hand, pulled me close so I could rest in hiding under His wings. I hear a pastor say that those who find God at the bottom, have a special insight on His love and forgiveness.
This devotional hits close to home today. I’m a young teenager and my mom unexpectedly passed away almost a month ago. The past three weeks have been the worst of my life and my soul is tired. BUT, God is there every time I call to him, even after I’ve gotten beyond angry with him. God’s love is unstoppable and my heart rejoices in that. So very thankful for this devotion this morning.
Abby, I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now. Continue to put your hope and trust in the Lord. He will always be with you and comfort you. You will be in my prayers
Prayers for you Abby ❤️
Sending so much love and prayers your way. Thank you so much for choosing to share that with this community. I pray that God reveals himself and his grace to you during this time, in both small and big ways
Abby, I couldn’t even imagine what you could be going through. I feel so bad for you. If that happened to me, I wouldn’t have the courage to be as brace as you are. I’ll pray for you and your family ❤️
When I was 16, my father passed away from a 16 month battle with cancer. Losing a parent at such a young age is something no one should ever have to go through. Lean on our Lord and he will heal you. It’ll hurt, it’ll be hard, you’ll question why, but never lean away from the Lord. He is always your rock. Pray to Him, talk to Him, cry to Him, and He will hear you. I will pray for you and your family.
Abby, I also lost my mom when I was a teenager (8 years ago; I was 17). You may never know why He allowed this to happen, but you can always find comfort and even joy in the fact that God loves you more than you can imagine, he has a plan for your life, and he will never ever let you go. I’m so sorry you have to go through this. Cling to Him like never before! ❤
I totally understand where you are coming from Mandy. I’m having trouble connecting with my middle school son, it’s a tough age. My prayers and thoughts are with you this morning.
Blessings~ Kristen
I never understood “a weary soul” until these past few months. It’s a soul literally tired, drained, worn out from not only physical battles, but spiritual. Lord, please send rest. Thank you for this devotional.
Anxiety is wrecking me today, and this days reading is what I need.
19 They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
but the Lord was my support. “O joy that seekest me through pain I cannot close my heart to thee.” Let you all be comforted in knowing that God’s support is, in fact, the joy that is present today.
Thank you! ♥
Seeking prayers for God’s will in my life… through trials he has been faithful
Praying.
God totally used this tonight. I feel very depressed, like everything in my life is weird and not doing well. My middle school son keeps getting in trouble, my job is more stressful than anything I’ve experienced, my husband and I keep getting in little weird, snippy arguments, and I’m just feeling depressed. Instead of just praying and seeking Jesus I tried to deal with it myself… that means I sat on the couch watching tv, dwelling, and crying. Now it’s 12:46am and I opened my arms in prayer and felt like I should read the first thing I could find. Thank you Jesus for always being with me.
Praying for you this morning, Mandy. Praying more of the verses from 2 Samuel 22. Verse 29 in particular: “You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light.” He is your shield giving you refuge and strength, enabling you to stand, training you and giving you His shield of victory.(verses 31-37) ~blessings~
Praying for you my dear sister in Christ! Rest in Him. Cling to Him. He will carry your burdens. He loves you so much!
I’m not able to click on any links ladies have provided. SRT-if that is something you have control over, it would be great to allow that feature. Thanks!
My friend Kate has an awesome shop on Etsy called Little Things Studio where she sells lots of beautiful artwork. A lot of her work is hymn-related and I know y’all would love it! Her hymn calendar comes out every year around Christmas time.
Wikipedia has postulated that there IS in fact a reason for the hymn:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Matheson
Read under “Published Works”
Loved learning the history of this hymn. Robbie Seay has a beautiful modern version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFQ0HggHb2g&sns=em
That’s a beautiful song. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! I was hoping to listen to this song and you saved me the search.
Hyy everyone , let me first say that i’m totally new here so i’m kinda figuring out how this all works . I’ve had a rough time believing and i asked myself what does God want me to do . I was and I can’t lie that I’m.still confused about a lot of things and I really want to take time and have a stronger relationship with God . I’m just so glad to read all your wonderful comments . have a nice day everyone :)
She Reads Truth has been a phenomenal help to me in figuring out how to rediscover and grow my faith. Welcome to this beautiful community! I hope it helps you as much as it continues to help me ❤️
I needed this. So after over a year of struggling with what God is planning for my life and my parents life, it seems overnight everything has fallen together. Prayers are being answered, God has shown His sweet, sweet face and I’m more at peace giving it to Him than I ever would be worrying about what’s coming next. Ain’t God good!
Rest. Would my soul just rest?!? Needed this today.
First time poster here :) And, boy, isn’t God good :) I’ve been unemployed since July after quitting a job I was miserable in–felt God’s peace about it , but fully expected to find something else. Well, here it is October and….nothing. After applying for what seems like 100s of jobs, a dear sister in Christ said to me “Maybe this is your wilderness. You’re here to draw closer to Him. Use this precious time wisely.” So, I’ve decided to take the advice and use this season to learn more about God and what He wants me to do with this life He has given me. Which led me here :) Can’t wait to see what God is going to do!
Faith thank you for posting this! I have been somewhat in the same boat. Recently moved and changed career goals. My goals take time. I need to learn new things, and grow in my career. With this, I have a lot more spare time. And if I saw myself in this position a year ago I’d say “Yes! Finally”. But, I’ve noticed the extra time grants less motivation. I have been a slacker, when normally I am a maxitasker! I need to use this season in the same way. Grow closer to God, and take advantage of this precious time. Thank you for posting!
Ladies thanks for sharing! You’ve helped confirm what I’ve been think God has been trying to get through to me.I feel so useless with no real direction in life.I often wonder why I’m still on earth,except to make sure my last child makes it to adulthood(2 more yrs).I was dx with Fibromyalgia 14 yrs ago.It has been a struggle but the last few years I’ve had more and more health issues and my illness has caused me not to be able to work any longer. I go to sleep most nights thinking “I’ll do such and such tomorrow”,”tomorrow I will push through this haze and spend more time with God instead of just floating through life”.But as Hannah has pointed out ‘extra time grants less motivation’. I wish and desire to work with human trafficking awareness and with woman and children who have been abused but at the moment I’m fight for disability and SSI(which my mom and twin sister have had for years).I refused to think I would end up not being able to work,or do much of anything much like my mother,but that is where I am. I have a degree and two teacher certifications that almost seem in vain since I haven’t been able to hold full time job shortly after I finished my certifications. I know God is trying to draw me closer and deepen my prayer life but each day is a struggles to fight pass the brain fog,pain,and fatigue to get anything accomplished.Though are paths to the wilderness has been different,it is reassuring to know others are walking through the wilderness just as I am and there is hope for the promise land on the other side if we just push on.God Bless you all!
I am so excited to start this study of hymns. I have heard this hymn before, but had not really thought about the words that much until I read them today. My favorite line is “I give thee back the life I owe” as it serves as a constant reminder that we are to do everything to glorify God, using our lives to point all the praise back to Him. From our state of sin, we are rescued and unworthy of the eternal joy that Christ promises, as we “owe” the new life that we have in Christ, as Matheson writes about. However, we are not indebted to give our lives back to God through this because of his great mercy, but it should be out of pure joy and gratitude that we give our lives back to God.
Lord, as I continue to grow in my faith, help me to be continuously surrendering my life to you. Help me to turn my eyes to you in everything I do, remembering that you offer a love that will not let me go. I praise you today for your goodness and the immense mercy and grace you have lavished on us!
Amen!
I first discovered this hymn as a poem when I was a teenager struggling with depression. It spoke such hope and assurance to me then. Years later, hearing the story behind it reminds me of how closely the Father is holding me even when I feel alone and afraid. I am so thankful that He reaches down and pulls me out of deep waters (2 Samuel 22:17).
I googled ‘He reaches down and pulls me out of deep waters ‘ to get more than one version of the verse(I like comparing versions).And I found something amazing! Did you know Ps 16:18 says the same thing as 2 Sam 22:17 ?!
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.”Ps16:18
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.”2Sam 22:17
Sorry *Ps 18:16
Praying that we all chase the rainbow throughout our rainy days.
I’ve been in a really stormy season right now, but this line in the hymn reminds me to hold on to the promise of God. There may be days that it feels like he’s not there, but he will never abandon us.
https://youtu.be/KGfZol_3rMQ
This is the Bryan Duncan version!
There is a band called “Ascend the Hill” that rewrote an entire album worth of hymns. Their rendition of this song is one of my favorites ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_xz7LsWRvI) . It’s raw and emotional. It’s what I listen to over and over again when I’m in pain. The entire album makes these hymns truly come alive. Much different than the way I remember singing them in the little Southern Baptist church where I grew up.
thanks for this; i just checked them out. beautiful music!
This is so encouraging! I love knowing that we can rest in God, and that he is constantly with us and watching over us. It’s such a beautiful song and the scripture was so uplifting!
Beautiful Hello im April I know in my heart I cannot do without my Lord and I don’t want to I want to go higher in him pray that i do. Amen thank you
This is so encouraging. Please pray for me- I recently gave birth and tore badly. I am in pain and healing is slow to come. There
Is physical pain and mental pain as I am sad
This happened and unable to connect with people through the activities I love as much since I am not
Healed. Meditating on these words tonight.
Thank you for sharing and God’s love will lever let you go and I pray he will show you his love. I feel your frustration because I tore badly too a year ago and honestly, God can just envelope you in his love and ease the pain x
Stephanie so many mothers understand your pain and your feeling of isolation during this time. Praying you can REST in Him and take time to HEAL in HIS word! Also a warm epsom salt bath nightly will help heal you quicker! He is with you and He is sovereign even in this season.
Thank you so much for your encouragement ladies! It is so good to be reminded of God’s goodness!!
This is so powerful! https://youtu.be/ZiZ9xXoZ1Mk
This is my first SRT reading plan. i have read the scripture and the devotion. Not sure what to do next. I am not very good at journaling about what i have read but i hope to get better on time.
Kristen, I don’t usually journal either. I usually pray after I read, and spend some time thinking about how to apply the message to my life. So, tonight I’m praying that I will fully yield to Christ, that I might live the full life he desires for me.
Thanks for sharing! i want to start journaling. But for now i am going to just start by reading the scripture and devotion. :-)
Kristen, I do pretty much the same as Dorothy. I start my day here and pray. I don’t journal, ever. It’s just not me. You don’t have to “do” anything other than ask God what He would have you learn from each day’s reading :)
Hi Kristen! I journal in my Bible. I choose different colors for different topics (i.e. blue for Characteristics of God, Red for love, Pink for God’s commands, etc.) and highlight or underline the scripture in corresponding color. This helps me to dissect the passage, especially if it has various interpretations. I have a notebook and i just write in that notebook things I learned or found important. I tend to use the same colors in my notebook so that everything corresponds. Like the others said, though, you can do as much or as little as you want!
Welcome Kristen! I read the study’s scripture reading first thing every day. Then think and pray about what I have read, sometimes journaling, sometimes making notes/underlines/highlights in my bible about what “speaks” to me. If I draw a blank, I look to the day’s topic and think and pray again. Then I read the response SRT has written along with the SRT’s community’s replies.
All in, maybe takes an hour of my time. Sometimes, like today, I look at prior day’s comments. If inspired, I will respond to one or many. Always amazed at the different perspectives from those writing their thoughts in this virtual community – young and old, worldwide, and from every walk of life.
O Love. O Light. O Joy. O Cross. I rest. I yield. I cannot close my heart. I dare not ask to hide. Fuller. Fairer. Tearless. Endless. The heartfelt cry of a child of God and the tender answer of a good Father.
I was not able to purchase the book that goes along with this study. I had hoped that the responses to the daily readings would have included a link or resource to see the sheet music or hear a version of it melodically. Without that information, this format of the on-line version somehow seems to lack relevant content.
A question: does anyone know to what does the reference to Dough 111 and 112 refers?
I appreciate my SRT sisters here who have shared their links to music they found through their own research, and for posting the hymns lyrics as well. With a little research on my own and thus a blessed expansion of my horizons to learn something new, I discovered this link which contains lyrics, sheet music and demos of today’s hymn in piano and guitar melodies.
Too awesome not to share:
http://hymnbook.igracemusic.com/hymns/o-love-that-will-not-let-me-go
Have a blessed week!
Thank you for posting this, I too was wondering what the lyrics were.
Thank you for sharing this website!!
Thank you for the link, appreciate you finding this for our online study.
This is beautiful.
I’ve lived through a lot of pain in my life. On this Thanksgiving Monday (in Canada) I’m thankful that deeper love can be our response to pain. That out of the hardships and trials our response can be run to God for comfort, steadiness, joy, peace and rightness, like a child who is hurt and runs to their parent to make everything right in their world again .
Jenna, thank you for your encouraging words today. I ache with you in your pain, and cling to truth with you in hope. Grateful for your heart.
xoxo-Kaitlin
Two years ago tomorrow, I lost the little baby that my husband and I were given on our honeymoon. That precious child lived in my womb for only a few weeks, and we only knew of her existence for a short time, but it was such a joyful time. On October 11, I put on my wedding dress and my husband and I went to celebrate our month-old marriage with family and friends in his hometown who could not be at our wedding. During what was supposed to be a day of joy, I felt that precious little life slipping from me and into the Father’s hands. When I lost that little one, my heart broke in ways that I never experienced in all of life’s previous trials. This song spoke to me volumes. I felt as though I may never smile again, and Christ lavished His love and the hope of heaven for me and my little baby.
I could not imagine I would smile again so quickly, as we became pregnant again just weeks after and had a healthy beautiful baby girl last year. This song brings back memories of that pain and how gently and yet strongly the Lord came near and comforted me. A stronghold in my distress. The joy that sought me through pain.
Blessed be His name.
I am so sorry for your loss, Jennifer. Thanks for sharing about the joy you have experienced too!
I too, am so sorry for your loss. A true beauty from ashes story though. Another child never replaces a child lost, but helps to heal the ache and void. Blessed are you Momma, for your two precious children!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing too and God is so good x
Jennifer, your comment is so encouraging to me. I too have recently suffered a miscarriage and the fear is often overwhelming and stifling when I think of getting pregnant again. But I know God is with me and will see me through this difficult time.
Such a beautiful hymn. The first verse says it all. :-)
“I trace the rainbow through the rain, and feel the promise is not vain, that morn shall tearless be.” My favorite verse from today’s hymn.
There have been some dark and lonely times in my life where those words spoke to me so loudly and brought so much comfort. God has used this song tremendously in my life.
I love this, Allie. Thanks for this reminder today!
xoxo-Kaitlin
This is such a beautiful hymn, the words bring tears to my eyes. Thank you SRT for introducing this hymn to us; such a beautiful way to start the day.
I found a version on You tube that I love of this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p14WKNN6xfY
Happy Monday ladies!
I’ve never heard this song before this morning, so I went on you tube and listened to several versions. I think Amy Grant’s is beautiful. https://youtu.be/aBhs1r9K6IE And it gives the lyrics as well. A beautiful touching song about Gods’ great love for us. I love the 2 Samual scriptures used here to describe it. Thank you SRT and sisters. Have a blessed week.
It is included in the book that goes with this study. I love having the book to use as a journal as we study together.
A Spotify playlist would have been nice. I believe that has been offered in the past.
Yes, I Loved the Spotify lists!!! Bring Em back please
Yes, that would’ve been lovely. I still listen to the previous Spotify lists.
“O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.”
I LOVE these words! I had never heard this hymn before!
http://www.littlelightonahill.com
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.
I can’t say I have ever written a popular hymn because of my sorrow but I do know that God has taken some of my pain, my “situations” and turned them into something for His glory!
Whatever happened to the blessed hymn writer that day, devastating as it was to him, has encouraged, uplifted and blessed millions down through the years. Even when we do not understand our pain or circumstances, God can take them and use them for our good and to bless and encourage others. Our faith, our walk, even our talk is a testimony to the goodness of God whether we are on the mountain or in the valley. Love these beautiful words today!
YES. Amen. Love this, Candacejo. Thank you for the encouraging reminder today.
xoxo-Kaitlin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS3o_160OhE I love Indelible Grace’s version of this song. You can listen to it on you tube.
So pretty.
O love That Will Not Let Me God by David Phelps, Bill Gaither, Marshall Hall and Guy Penrod https://youtu.be/eVXsAO7b6Ds
Don’t think I have ever heard them sing this! Beautiful ♥
That is one of my favorite renditions of this beautiful hymn! I grew up singing hymns and I love them. They are so inspired! It saddens me that churches have thrown out their hymn books and just sing modern “worship” songs that have no verses, only a chorus that is sung over and over, and over, and over again. Thank you SRT for honoring these beautiful works. And I love that it’s free!
I’ve recently went through a tough season and sometimes only hymns like this or speaking in tongues were the words I could speak. I love the scriptures that show God’s love for us, passionate, no holding back, raw. My favorite part is that he delights in us. Amazed this morning! Happy Monday :)
From all the years of singing hymns, I don’t recall ever singing this one. How nice to add these words to my heart. The my will be a sweet salve on troubled days.
“3. O Joy that seekest me through 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.”
There is always hope in His truth!
I like that “sweet salve on troubled days” ♥
What a perfect way to start the week! Have a blessed day Sisters!
It’s been a while since I participated in a SRT study in “real time”…there is something so special about reading these scriptures and singing this hymn this morning, knowing so many other faithful women around the country and the world are doing the same. It is a joy to read and worship with all of you!
As I read the words of 2 Samuel, I had a picture of our “Papa Bear” God: his child calls out in distress, and he comes running to his defense, “smoke rose from his nostrils, and consuming fire came from his mouth”, as “he parted the heavens and came down”. God’s love for his children is gentle and sweet, but it is also passionate and strong. He is jealous for his children and will fight for us! (Exodus 14:14) O, love that will not let me go!
me too!!!
Yes, I loved reading that part too!
Hymns are treasures to be yet rediscovered!
I am very excited about this new series. I was raised in a very traditional, conservative church and we opened our old worn hymn books every Sunday and sang songs. While those years are bittersweet, this definitely reminds me of the sweet.
Tracy, I’m so glad you’re joining us! Excited to spend the rest of this plan with you.
xoxo-Kaitlin
O love that will not let me go..
As there was no to press and connect to I found Daddy’s hymn book..Ancient and modern…found it at no. 699..
This warms my heart in two ways, I got an opportunity to leaf through daddy’s book, share the pages with the past, and touch something he loved and used regularly..almost touched where he had once been..
Words like, O LOVE that wilt not let me go..
There is only one love like that, Thank you Lord God..thank you..
O LIGHT that followers all my way…
With the darkness that sometimes comes, what comfort there is to know Your Light Lord is always close and follows my path..
O JOY that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to Thee,
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not in vain,
That morn shall fearless be…
Holding on to that promise Lord God..holdings fast to that..
O Cross that liftest up my head…
Without your gift Lord Jesus, without your gift, to suffer for me, to suffer, that i might live and abundantly too.. I dare not, I WIILL NOT ask to fly from Thee..
Beautiful words from a heart that hurt, but knew his God well.
Praying SIsters, you remember the Love that will not let you go..this morning..
Be Blessed…xxx
Supposed to read, as there was no address or www. to press to hear or read…xxx
Thank you, Tina for posting part of the text! As a German I am not familiar with English hymns … I hope, SRT will provide us with the lyrics – otherwise this devotional is hard to follow …
O Love, that wilt 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.
2
O Light, that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to Thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in Thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.
3
O Joy, that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to Thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain
That morn shall tearless be.
4
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.
Thank you Kelli
Beautiful!
Lol, I gathered what you meant :) Hello, friend across the pond! ♥
I’m surprised that the words of the hymn aren’t part of the devotional…
You can find the hymn on youtube :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS3o_160OhE&spfreload=10
Thanks for posting that song. I was going to Google the words but I like that version!
It is beautiful!
Me too!
Me too!
Me too. It definitely takes away the impact of the devotion.
Hi friends! The lyrics have been added. Grateful for you!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Wow, that was super quick. Thanks loads for jumping in there.