MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE

Dearly Beloved, MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV). This faith-inspiring hymn “MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE” was composed by Ray Palmer (1808-1887). Palmer was an unhappy and lonely young man who was tending a dry goods store and teaching in a private girls’ school to make ends meet before he became an ordained minister in the Congregationalist Church. He composed this hymn one night when he was studying and translating some German poetry. He did not have the intention of publishing the hymn until he met Lowell Mason (1792–1872) who was compiling a hymnbook. Mason asked Palmer if he (that is, Palmer) had any hymn, and Palmer gave Mason the hymn that he had treasured privately for two years. Mason composed the tune for the hymn “Olivet” and published it in his hymnbook. The hymn later became one of the most famous hymns from American history that was used as a source of encouragement and tranquility by soldiers during the American Civil War. As a young man who was struggling with discouragement, poor health, and a lack of funds, Palmer preferred to look up by faith to Jesus Christ – “Lamb of Calvary”. He rather focused on his spiritual weakness and prayed that the divine Savior would take all his guilt away and be wholly belong to Him from that day. As the Lord told Apostle Paul that His grace is sufficient for him (see 2 Corinthians 12:9), Palmer asked for the rich grace of God to impart and strength his fainting heart and inspire his zeal. He wanted his love to the Lord that died for him to be “pure, warm, and changeless” and be “a living fire.” Palmer indeed suffered many grieves in his youthful years, but he looked unto Jesus Christ to be his guide and change his sorrowful story, as he pleaded that he would not stray away from Him. Lastly, Palmer was conscious of death “as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27 NKJV). So, he wanted the blessed Savior to give him eternal rest above as “a ransomed soul”. What is your situation presently? Are you facing discouragement, health challenges or financial issues? Whatever your situation may be, let your faith look unto Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, who Himself endured suffering on the cross and its accompany shame, but who is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God (see Hebrews 12:2). Let Him be your guide. His grace will be sufficient for you. Even if you die, He will give His eternal rest to you as a ransomed soul. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that your faith will continuously look unto Jesus Christ in whatever situation you may find yourself.