Worship & Song Hymnal #3115

Words by John Wesley; Music by Jay D. Locklear and Adam Seate - Copyright 2008

Even though this hymn was written twelve years ago, it was not until about four years ago that I was introduced to it. The church had just purchased the Worship & Song hymnal as a way of bringing more contemporary music into our worship. Pastor Pat selected this hymn as a “HYMN OF THE MONTH” using it every week, in some capacity, so that the congregation could become familiar with it.

Pastor Cheryl also used this hymn several times throughout her time at our church. As a result, I have grown to treasure this hymn, not so much for the music, but for the words. Taken from John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer, Jay Locklear and Adam Seate contemporized the words while retaining its potent message.

Lord, I am not mine, but yours alone,

Let your will be done and not my own.

Put me where you will, and let me serve;

In everything I do, let me endure.

That last phrase resonates with me these days. “In everything I do, let me endure.” Perseverance is so important. The ability to push forward and not look back. To maintain faith when hopelessness beckons. And too, trusting that God has put me where I can serve best; to fulfill God’s will and not my own.

Let me be employed for you, laid aside for you,

Lifted high for you or brought low.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things or nothing.

During this time of pandemic millions of people are unemployed. It is tempting to feel useless, tossed aside, labeled non-essential, but hold tight to the faith that God has a purpose for you even if at this moment you are “laid aside”. 

The image of a baseball dugout pops into mind. Only one player can be at bat at any given time. Only one player can be on a single base at a given time. Only one player can cross home plate and score at a given time. Each player must wait their turn.

Even in the field each player is assigned a specific position. Some positions see more action than others. What is important is that when the player is needed, they are ready. In the end, all players of the winning team celebrate the victory, even those who waiting in the dugout, never taking the field or a turn at bat. They are part of the team, part of the victory.

This is my prayer, Lord, to you.

My promise and my vow, strong and true.

And the covenant I make on earth,

Let it be fulfilled in heaven.

Amen.