A much younger member of my band sent a picture of a ‘new’ hymn they had found. It isn’t a new hymn but it is wonderful the way God reveals new things when we re-discover his truths in hymns and songs.
The hymn was a favourite of mine as a child. I used to go around singing the first verse and chorus all the time. But I had forgotten some of the other verses (See below). Reading them again reminded me that they are really powerful promises! And I’ve never forgotten the impact of the words. When I was about 10 years old someone asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up and I said ‘keep following Jesus all the days of my life’ They replied ‘No I mean what is your ambition, your goal?’ And I distinctly remember replying ‘that is my ambition, to follow Jesus and do what he tells me to do.’ They never asked me again!!
I want to walk with Jesus Christ,
all the days I live of this life on earth;
to give to Him complete control
of body and of soul.
Follow Him, follow Him,
yield your life to Him –
He has conquered death,
He is King of kings;
accept the joy which He gives to those
who yield their lives to Him.
I want to learn to speak to Him,
to pray to Him, confess my sin,
to open my life and let Him in,
for joy will then be mine.
Follow Him, follow Him…….
I want to learn to speak of Him –
my life must show that He lives in me;
my deeds, my thoughts, my words must speak
all of His love for me.
Follow Him, follow Him….
I want to learn to read His word,
for this is how I know the way
to live my life as pleases Him,
in holiness and joy.
Follow Him, follow Him….
O Holy Spirit of the Lord,
enter now into this heart of mine;
take full control of my selfish will
and make me wholly Thine!
Follow Him, follow Him….
Clive Simmonds, 1964Anonymous