itsawonderfilledlife

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart

A few months ago a song was perfectly inserted in a show I was watching and it delivered such significance to the scene, for I knew the song well.

Be thou my vision is undoubtedly one of the oldest hymns still sung (believed to be written in the sixth century), though it (as with many older hymns) began as poetry. Written by Saint Dallán Forgaill in honor of an act of faith and defiance to the wishes of the High King of Ireland, by Saint Patrick. It was not until 1919 that the verses (reworked about twenty years prior) were put to music … the hauntingly beautiful Irish tune, “Slane”.

I am so thankful that I was reunited with this song, for it has been a comfort, a balm, a reminder of hope and certainty in a time where hope and certainty seem out of sight.

It has also been a good, swift, metaphorical kick in the pants.

As I listen to, hum and even sing (in the privacy of my home) the truths of the verses, I wonder how it is that we who have faith, who worship such a faithful High King of Heaven

could feel that our world, politics, leaders, global financial systems, loss of community is hopeless.

How could we, who put our faith in God, be so dominated by the news of the day?

Perhaps if He is in our thoughts
“by day or by night
waking or sleeping
thy presence my light”
… our rest may be more restful, our days less anxious.

Perhaps if we trust first in Him to
“be Thou my wisdom,
and Thou my true word”
… we will know that wisdom is better than strength or power.

Perhaps if we abide
“ever with Thee
and Thou with me, Lord
Thou in me dwelling
and I with Thee one”
… we will know that loneliness is dissolved.

Perhaps if we deny the wealth, the privileges we hold in this world,
“Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise
Thou mine inheritance, now and always”
… we might not worry about losing them.

Perhaps if our communications are more often about
“Thou and Thou only first in my heart
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art”
… others might believe in the God we say lives in our hearts.

Perhaps if understand that our victory is already won,
“whatever befall”
… we will not fear what this world and it’s leaders may do.

Perhaps if we raise our hands in praise more often we will be wringing them less.

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.