Love That Won’t Let You Go

George Matheson was born with poor eyesight in Scotland in March 1842, and his vision continued to deteriorate throughout his life. But he remained dedicated to serving God. As a pastor, he memorized entire sections of the Bible, and his sermons. He delivered messages with such authority that many were not aware that he was almost blind.

Then, something amazing happened to him, on this day in 1882. He was alone in the manse of the church he served when he felt God speaking to him. Words came flooding into his heart. He later described, “I had the impression of having it dictated to me by some inward voice rather than of working it out myself.”

He quickly wrote the words and “the whole work was completed in five minutes.” And he never felt that need to do any further editing. It was “like a dayspring from on high,” a poem that eventually became an important hymn: “O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go.”

God had given him a message about His love. Because of this love, we can rest our “weary soul” in Him. We can experience God’s “ocean depth” of blessing when we give our lives back to Him. As a result, our lives will be richer and fuller.

He wrote about “joy that seekest me through pain,” and “light that followest all my way.” How could he fail to respond to love like this?

Today, remember that God loves you, no matter who you are or what you have done. Trust in Him. And give your life to Him.