ListenDaily – 04 November 2010: Treasure

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ListenDaily – 04 November 2010: Treasure

Hello friends,

Greetings! Today we will look at the fourth verse of Be Thou My Vision.

If you are unfamiliar with this song, here is a nice version by Selah: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FOBdoNIEk8


The fourth verse:

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
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You may have heard me say this before; I divide hymns into two types. There are those sung about God, in the third person ("He lives! He lives"), and those sung in the second person, sung to God, using "You", or "Thou", or "Thee", these are more than hymns, they are prayers. Consider that while you look at this fourth verse. Consider saying or singing it as a prayer. What are you saying to God? I struggle with this sometimes, because I know I am not singing, praying, words that are completely true. Is God always first in my heart?

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

Roughly translated:

I will not be swayed or turned away from You for any worldly wealth, or anything anone has to say.
All I need to receive, in Eternity, and presently, is You.
You are first to me, there is nothing between You and I.
You God, are the only Treasure.

Questions:
1. Does it change the way you think of this or any other prayer-type hymn?
2. I struggle with being able to sing this and be completely true. How about you?
3. Mine is not a definitive interpretation, what does this hymn say to you?
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May we pray. Jim

INTERESTING THOUGHTS:

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.