Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

The writer of this hymn made it difficult to miss his confession of spiritual weakness. Robert Robinson (1735-1790) knew all too well the difficulty of faithfully walking with Christ and was quick to give the credit to the Lord alone for the times he remained "fixed in the name." As a young man, Robinson was converted to Christ by the passionate preaching of George Whitefield. Despite entering the ministry, however, Robinson eventually lapsed into sin and questionable doctrinal positions. Some contemporaries believe that he later regretted this separation from Christ and longed to return to the former closeness he had felt in his earlier days.

As you reflect on these lyrics, be reminded that it is Christ's work and not ours that draws us and keeps us near him. Thank God for his steadfast pursuit of us, though we are prone to wander away from him.

Come thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace;

Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above;

Praise his name--I'm fixed upon it--name of God's redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer, hither by thy help I've come;

And I hope by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God;

He, to rescue me from danger, bought me with his precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!

Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee:

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;

Here's my heart, O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible published by Tyndale House)

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Altars and memorials are mentioned frequently throughout the Old Testament. These objects were significant in Israelite worship, for they were tangible and often imposing reminders of what God had accomplished for his people. They served as a testimony to later generations, who would see the memorial and learn about God's everlasting covenant with his people.

"Great Is Thy Faithfulness" can rightly be called a memorial in song, for it too reminds us of God's greatness--the constancy of his character, his everlasting goodness, and his mastery over the universe. As you read Thomas Chisholm's words, reflect on God's faithfulness to us.

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father,

There is no shadow of turning with thee;

Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not;

As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

(chorus)

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed thy hand hath provided--

Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible by Tyndale House)

Turning Back or Walking with Jesus?

"Do you also want to go away?" (John 6:67)


What a penetrating question! Our Lord's words often hit home for us when He speaks in the simplest way. In spite of the fact that we know who Jesus is, He asks, "Do you also want to go away?" We must continually maintain an adventurous attitude toward Him, despite any potential personal risk.

"From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more" (John 6:66). They turned back from walking with Jesus; not into sin, but away from Him. Many people today are pouring their lives out and working for Jesus Christ, but are not really walking with Him. One thing God constantly requires of us is a oneness with Jesus Christ. After being set apart through sanctification, we should discipline our lives spiritually to maintain this intimate oneness. When God gives you a clear determination of His will for you, all your striving to maintain that relationship by some particular method is completely unnecessary. All that is required is to live a natural life of absolute dependence on Jesus Christ. Never try to live your life with God in any other way than His way. And His way means absolute devotion to Him. Showing no concern for the uncertainties that lie ahead is the secret of walking with Jesus.

Peter saw in Jesus only someone who could minister salvation to him and to the world. But our Lord wants us to be fellow laborers with Him.

In verse 70 Jesus lovingly reminded Peter that he was chosen to go with Him. And each of us must answer this question for ourselves and no one else: "Do you also want to go away?"