Just As I Am

Charlotte Elliott, who was born in 1789, became bedridden by the time she was 30, and she remained an invalid the rest of her life. In 1822, as she battled discouragement, evangelist Caesar Malan told her this truth, “You must come just as you are, a sinner, to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.” The date of that visit became her spiritual birthday.

In 1836, in an effort to help her brother raise funds for a school for the children of poor clergymen, Charlotte wrote a hymn that expressed the joy she felt after trusting Jesus with her life. She called it “Just As I Am.”

She wrote, “Just as I am, without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me, and that Thou bidst me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.” Little did she know that this hymn would help thousands of people to find Jesus.

There are many reasons why you might feel discouraged, lonely, or hopeless, but the simple truth of the hymn Charlotte Elliot wrote is still true for you: “Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.”

Today, come to Jesus just as you are, and receive the healing, forgiveness, hope, and freedom from sin that He can bring. Let Him give you peace and take away your burdens. Deepen your personal relationship with Him.