Jesus, I am Resting, Resting

Overwhelmed with the work and responsibility in establishing the China Inland Mission, J. Hudson Taylor learned that faith was strengthened, “not by striving after faith, but by resting on the Faithful One.”  This became his favorite hymn.

“And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.”  (Isaiah 32:18)

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.

O, how great Thy lovingkindness,
  Vaster, broader than the sea!
O, 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 longing,
  Meets, supplies its ev’ry 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 

            (Jean Sophia Pigott, 1845-1882)