Jesus, Lover of My Soul

According to a family tradition, Charles Wesley wrote one of his most powerful hymns after he was attacked when preaching in Ireland. It happened in 1740 when he was attacked by men angry with his message.

Wesley fled to a nearby farmhouse, where the farmer’s wife hid him in the milkhouse. When the mob arrived, she distracted them by offering them refreshments, and then directed Wesley to go through a window and hide by a brook.

There, with his pursuers close by, Wesley described how he was able to trust in Jesus during that perilous moment: “Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly, while the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high.” He prayed that Jesus would hide him “till the storm of life is past; safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.”

Realizing that he could trust in Jesus, he wrote, “Leave me not alone, still support and comfort me.” He knew he could trust the Lord to help him and “cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.” He realized that Jesus was all He wanted and needed, and that “plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin.”

These words became the foundation for a powerful hymn, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” still sung today.

In the midst of our daily lives, we can become busy and easily distracted. But we need to remember that Jesus is the lover of our souls and that He wants to have an intimate relationship with us.

Today, seek to spend time with your Savior. Listen to His voice and linger in His presence. No matter what you are facing, you can hide yourself in Him! He truly is the lover of your soul!