Jesus, I am Resting
This old hymn is a prayer, a hymn of faithful trust in our Lord Jesus. When the author, Jean Pigott, penned the words Jesus, I am resting, resting, she little knew how valuable this prayer would be to missionary James Hudson Taylor.
We know very little about Jean Pigott. We know she born in and died in Ireland, that she was a poet and hymn lyricist, and that she lived only 37 years. (Pigott authored this hymn as well.) It is well-known that Hudson Taylor’s favorite song was today’s addition to our practice of praise.
It is unlikely that Pigott and Taylor ever met; she died long before the tragedy that claimed her brother’s life, a tragedy that impacted Taylor acutely.
Piggott’s big brother, Thomas Wellesley Piggot, was a missionary to China, and also a member of Taylor’s China Inland Mission. Sadly, he and 77 fellow missionaries were slain in the Boxer Rebellion, in China, 1901. Thomas Piggot was 53 years old when he was slain.
His big sister Jean would have died 18 years previous to this event. She never knew how her lyrics would minister to the great Taylor, nor how her words would bear repeating in the hearts and prayers of countless believers over these many years.
Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.Refrain:
Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.Oh, how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea!
Oh, how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart;
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings:
Thine is love indeed!Ever lift Thy face upon me
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting ’neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory,
Sunshine of my Father’s face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting,
Fill me with Thy grace.Words by: Jean S. Pigott
Music by: James Mountain
The theme of this hymn is similar to that of last week’s addition to our practice, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. This week’s song is contemplative in nature, full of the idea of finding our place of sweet surrender as we trust Him for everything. Be Still is another song that echoes this theme.
This rendition is offered by the Haven Quartet. It’s mellow and lovely, giving an opportunity to really grasp the content of this prayer. However, this video does not include all verses. Yet, by learning the tune, you can pray every verse on your own. I hope this song ministers to you, today.
