He was looking forward to his marriage. But at the last moment his fiancée decided that she did not want a life that included sharing his blindness. In his disappointment and distress he turned to the Lord for His comfort and compassion. In Christ he found someOne who would love him “no matter what.” He became one of the greatest preachers of his day and people would travel great distances to hear his sermons. Over the years he became known as “The Blind Preacher Who Could See Quite Well.”
Because of his limited sight, he became dependent on his sister, who assisted him in the chores of living and his pastoral responsibilities. On the day of her marriage he became very distraught mentally. Whether it was because it brought back memories of his once anticipated marriage or whether he realized that he would be abandoned once again, in pain, anguish, and sadness, he wrote:
“O Love that wilt not let me go
I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.”
I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.”
He penned this hymn in five minutes, never having to make one correction or change. And its spirit seems to capture the words of David when he wrote, “How precious it is Lord, to realize that You think about me constantly. I can’t even count how many times a day Your thoughts turn to me. And when I awaken You are still thinking of me.”
What great love God offers us. It will never let us go.
Prayer: It’s simply impossible, Father, for us to fathom the depths of Your love. In deep humility we thank You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:7-8 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
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