Thy Way Not Mine, O Lord

30-odd years ago I used to walk to the park and play hide-and-seek with a family of missionary kids.  They're all adults and parents now and scattered around the globe.  One of them "just so happened" to be at a favorite missionary vacation spot in Japan this summer and posted a short video clip of the Sunday night hymnsing on the dock.  It was less than 30 seconds, but I was overtaken by emotion, and knew right away what hymn it was, though I haven't sung it in the past 13 years. (I have NEVER heard it sung in an American church! Have you?)

::reprint from November 23, 2008::

 

 
#9 - Thy Way Not Mine, O Lord

The Japanese hymnal sets this hymn to the tune of Jewett (which is typically used to sing "My Jesus, As Thou Wilt"), so that is the only way I have ever heard it. In fact I first heard it in Japanese, as a child in Kingsport, when I watched the movie, Shiokari Pass, at the Christian Cinema.

Years later, here in Japan, I was delighted to hear it again one Sunday. Every time I have ever heard it sung here, I have been moved by seeing people cry as they try to sing it. This is a strong hymn of submitting ourselves to God, reminding ourselves as we sing it, that He is the One Who knows best and will choose best, even if that feels like death and pain in this life.

In my hymnal I've written a note referring to a quote from Spurgeon's Faith's Check Book (see below) and a quote from Valley of Vision, page 106, both of which relate to the message of this hymn.

Valley of Vision

I confess ... that I am unfit to choose for myself,
for it is not in me to direct my steps.
...
May I seek first thy kingdom and its righteousness.

Faith's Check Book

April 14

My Choice Is His Choice

He shall choose our inheritance for us. (Psalm 47:4)

Our enemies would allot us a very dreary portion, but we are not left in their hands. The Lord will cause us to stand in our lot, and our place is appointed by His infinite wisdom. A wiser mind than our own arranges our destiny, The ordaining of all things is with God, and we are glad to have it so; we choose that God should choose for us. If we might have our own way we would wish to let all things go in God's way.

Being conscious of our own folly, we would not desire to rule our own destinies. We feel safer and more at ease when the Lord steers our vessel than we could possibly be if we could direct it according to our own judgment. Joyfully we leave the painful present and the unknown future with our Father, our Savior, our Comforter.

O my soul, this day lay down thy wishes at Jesus' feet! If thou hast of late been somewhat wayward and willful, eager to be and to do after thine own mind, now dismiss thy foolish self, and place the reins in the Lord's hands. Say, "He shall choose." If others dispute the sovereignty of the Lord and glory in the free will of man, do thou answer them, "He shall choose for me." It is my freest choice to let Him choose. As a free agent, I elect that He should have absolute sway.

Original post.

Top Ten Hymns, #10 - When I Survey

Complete list of Top Ten Hymns