One thing that rings true for the Church today and for Christians is a need for vision. We have to be able to adapt quickly to the changing times, not giving in, but adapting our approach to ministry that we can reach those who are lost and dying in today’s world.
One of the classic, all-time favorite hymns is the adaptation of the Old Irish poem written in 1905 by Mary Byrne and adapted into the English hymn verse in 1912 by Eleanor Hull is, “Be Thou My Vision.”
This song takes the central idea of Christianity and beautifully places it into hymn form. The concept of complete devotion, down to the smallest detail really opens up the meaning for us today as followers of Christ:
“Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, Be all else naught to me, save that thou art; Thou my best thought in the day and the night, Both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light.
“Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word, Be thou ever with me, and I with thee Lord; Be thou my great Father, and I thy true son; Be thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.
“Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight; Be thou my whole armour, be thou my true might; Be thou my soul’s shelter, be thou my strong tower: O raise thou me heavenward, great Power of my power.
“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise: Be thou mine inheritance now and always; Be thou and thou only the first in my heart; O Sovereign of Heaven, my treasure thou art.
“High King of Heaven, thou Heaven’s bright sun, O grant me its joys after victory is won!; Great heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.”
The song tackles the Christian mindset, and bids the worshipper to truly consider their views and evaluate their own heart. Are you asking the Lord to be your vision? Are you asking Him to be the leader of your life? Are you asking him to be your everything?
I encourage you today to examine your heart. Look at the lyrics of this song and take them to your prayer time. Ask God to be the vision for you and your church today. Ask Him to be the vision for our community and our Country. Ask Him to be the Lord of your life today!
The Glory of it All 