September 21, 2005
Have
faith in God –
For His watch and His ward;
Have faith in God –
None other adored;
Have faith in God –
And our Wonderful Lord.
Have faith, dear friend, in God.
My Faith Looks Up to Thee
Ray Palmer, 1808-1887
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. Ephesians 3:7-13. "My Faith Looks Up to Thee" was written in 1832
by Ray Palmer, a 22 year old school teacher. Several months after his graduation
from Yale University and while still living with the family of the lady who
directed the girls' school where he taught, Palmer wrote the text for this hymn.
He had experienced a very discouraging year in which he battled illness and
loneliness.
"The words of these stanzas were born out of my own soul
with very little effort. I recall that I wrote the verses with tender emotion.
There was not the slightest thought of writing for another eye, least of all
writing a hymn for Christian worship. It is well-remembered that when writing
the last line, 'Oh, bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!' the thought of the
whole work of redemption and salvation was involved in those words, and
suggested the theme of eternal praises; and this brought me to a degree of
emotion that brought abundant tears."
Two years later, while visiting in Boston, Palmer chanced to
meet his friend Lowell Mason, a well-known name in musical circles during this
time. Upon seeing Ray Palmer's text, Mason stated: "Palmer, you may live
many years and do many good things, but I think you will be best-known to
posterity as the author of 'My Faith Looks Up to Thee'." Lowell Mason
composed a melody for this text, a tune which he called "Olivet" in
reference to the hymn's message. Soon the hymn appeared in its present form in a
hymnal edited by Mason. And from that time on this musical expression has had an
important place in nearly every hymnal that has been published.
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee,
Pure warm, and changeless be, a living fire!
While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread, be Thou my Guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray from Thee aside.
When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold sullen stream over me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!
Have Faith in God by H.M.S.
Richards, Used by Permission