Daily Archives: February 3, 2013

Feb 3 2013

I’d Rather Have Jesus

  1. I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
    I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
    I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
    I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
  2. Refrain:
    • Than to be the king of a vast domain
      And be held in sin’s dread sway;
      I’d rather have Jesus than anything
      This world affords today.
  3. I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
    I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
    I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
    I’d rather be true to His holy name

Have you ever sung this treasured hymn?

I have.  And I meant it…when I sang it.

That was when I had house and land…and money to afford to pay the monthly bills and keep a stocked pantry.  Those were the days when my children were gathered around me, and I decorated our home with the treasures I had accumulated.  When my parents were still living, and the gas tank was easy to keep filled.

Some days, I am challenged by these lyrics, and I have to do a soul search, to see if I still believe the words I carelessly tossed around.  Is Jesus really enough?  If I never get my few precious household goods back…is He enough?  If my health falters, or if any more of my loved ones pass on…will He still be enough then?  Would I really RATHER have Him that all of these?  The cry of my heart is much like the father of the child that Jesus raised to life “I believe, Lord.  Help my unbelief”  Because, if I’m honest with Him, and with myself, my feelings don’t always line up with what my mouth proclaims.  More often than not, I want Him, but I don’t want to let go of the other.  He knows my heart, and because He does, He purges things that were coming between me and Him…things/people/ideals that I had placed on or above Him.  And He tests me…”Can I have this, Lyn?  If I take this, will you let me be enough?

Until today, I don’t remember ever seeing verse 4 of this song.

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;

He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;

He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;

I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead

And, I find in it a beautiful picture, and a deep reassurance that He is, was and ever will be.  I find myself giving  all my hopes, dreams, and ambitions to Him again, and allowing Him to determine what I need.