February 18, 2005

He Lifted Me

Words and Music by Charles H. Gabriel, 1856-1932

     I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth--Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Psalm 40:2, 3.

    Charles H. Gabriel was one of the best known and most prolific gospel songwriters of the late 19th and early 20th century eras. His fame as a successful composer became widely known, especially with the use of his songs by Homer Rodeheaver in the large Billy Sunday evangelistic campaigns. He Lifted Me first appeared in the collection Revival Hymns, published in 1905.

In loving kindness Jesus came my soul in mercy to reclaim, and from the depths of sin and shame thru grace He lifted me.

He called me long before I heard, before my sinful heart was stirred, but when I took him at His word, forgiv'n He lifted me.

His brow was pierced with many a thorn; He is bands by cruel nails were torn when from my guilt and grief, forlorn, in love He lifted me.

Now on a higher plain I dwell, and with my soul know 'tis well; yet how or why, I cannot tell, He should have lifted me.

Chorus:
From sinking sand He lifted me; with tender hand He lifted me; from shades of night to plains of light; O praise His name, He lifted me!