Be My Eyes God, Everyday, Always

I don't know about you, but I love a good old hymn.  There is something about old hymns that just seems magical and reverent.  I was flipping through radio stations tonite and stopped on a Christian station that usually is more talk than music.  I don't often listen to this station because I like more music than talk :) but I stopped because the woman was talking about the history of the song that was about to play.  And I love history!  

The song was "Be Thou My Vision" and a woman named Ginny Owens sings my favorite version of this song, but I never knew the history before.  Many scholars believe that the song was written by or about St. Patrick who lived in Ireland during the 4th century.  Though brought to Ireland in slavery, he met God there and came to be known as the most influential Christian missionary during that time.  The legend goes that the King decreed that no one could light a fire before the beginning of a popular pagan festival, but St. Patrick lit candles on the eve of Easter breaking this command.  The King was so impressed by St. Patrick's devotion that he pardoned him and allowed him to continue to spread the good news about God.  

Point being?  I love how the person who wrote these lyrics recognized God as the provider of all things and longed for Him to be the central focus in his life, not worrying about the cost or consequence.  As I continue to seek financial support and prepare for my time in Costa Rica, I've been overwhelmed by God's provision.  It reminds me of when Jesus talks about the birds and how God provides for them and states, "And aren't you far more valuable to Him than they are?"  The admonition not to worry has not been lost on me and yet so often I find myself wondering if I'll ever get to Costa Rica!  This song reminds me that only when my vision is set on God and I'm reminded of His provision can I cast all of my cares on Him--because He is faithful!  I hope you enjoy this song as much as I have tonite:

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.