The Lily of the Valley

Charles Fry was active in the Salvation Army. In fact, he and his sons formed the first Salvation Army brass band.

Born in England on this day in 1837, Fry also wrote hymns. In 1881, inspired by imagery from the Song of Solomon, he wrote a hymn that described the intimate personal relationship he had with Jesus.

Fry wrote, “I have found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me, He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul; the Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see.”

Jesus was all he needed “to cleanse and make me fully whole. In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay; He tells me every care on Him to roll.” The Lord took away his grief and was his “strong and mighty tower” when he faced temptation.

Fry knew that Jesus “will never, never leave me, nor yet forsake me here, while I live by faith and do His blessèd will.” With Jesus, he felt he had nothing to fear, as if a “wall of fire” was around him. And Jesus would feed his “hungry soul.”

In your life, seek to have a more intimate relationship with Jesus. The Bible tells us that He is with you, right now, and wants to walk with you through the challenges you face in life. He wants to speak to you, and give you His wisdom.

Make it your prayer to know Him more intimately, beginning today!