Jesus, Lover of My Soul
BIBLE REFERENCE:

The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them
that trust in him.
Nahum 1:7  

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress,
a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terribleones
is as a storm against the wall.
Isaiah 25:4  

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. Psalms 61:3  

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psalms 91:2  

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Hebrews 6:18-19  

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Charles Wesley - Lyrics
1707-1788
Born: December 28, 1707, Epworth, Lincolnshire, England.
Died: March 29, 1788, London, England.
Buried: Marylebone Parish Church, London.
Joseph Parry - Composer
1841-1903
Born: May 21, 1841, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.
Died: February 17, 1903, Penrarth, Wales.
Buried: St. Augustine’s Church, Penarth, Wales.
HYMN HISTORY:

Of the 6500 hymns written by Charles Wesley, this is generally considered to be his finest. It is still found in nearly every published hymnal and has been translated into almost every known language. It is interesting to note, however, that when Charles first presented this text to his brother, John, for approval, it was rejected as being too sentimental. It was not until after the author’s death that the song came into general use. It was first published in 1740 in a collection of 139 hymns know as Hymns and Sacred Poems. Many authorities have acclaimed the greatness of this hymn. The late Dr. Bodine said,
“It is the finest heart-hymn in the English language.”
Henry Ward Beecher, noted American preacher of the past century, once wrote,
"I would rather have written that hymn of Wesley’s than to have the fame of all the kings that ever sat on earth; it is more glorious, it has more power in it. I would rather be the author of that hymn than to hold the wealth of the richest man in New York. He will die after a little while, pass out of men’s thoughts, what will there be to speak of him? But people will go on singing that hymn until the last trump brings forth the angel band; and then I think it will mount upon some lips to the very presence of God."
There are various stories concerning the experiences that prompted Charles Wesley to pen these words, though none has ever been completely authenticated. Several of these stories are described as follows: On his return to England in the fall of 1736, following his brief and disappointing experience in the United States, Charles Wesley was caught in a very frightening storm at sea when it appeared for certain that all would be lost. Finally on December 3 the ship reached land. Wesley wrote in his journal for that date “I knelt down and blessed the Hand that hand conducted me through such inextricable mazes.” Some writers state that during this storm experience a frightened bird flew into Wesley’s cabin and sheltered itself in his bosom for comfort and safety. Another account says that Wesley wrote this text while lying under a hedge, having been beaten up by an angry mob opposing his ministry. Still others see this text as a picture of Wesley’s own life as a young man he struggled to find his peace with God before his dramatic Aldersgate conversion experience on May 21, 1738.

A hymn of this quality, however, really doesn't need any popular account of its origin to give it added greatness, The meaningful simplicity of the text is sufficient. It should be noted that 156 simple one-syllable words appear among the 188 words of the text. Christ is presented as a “lover,” “healer,” “refuge,” “fountain,” “wing,” and “pilot” – the all sufficient One. Truly each believer can say with Wesley, “Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find...”

This is a hymn that never loses it appeal for it speaks to the basic need of every human heart, a personal dependence upon the infinite God.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Jesus truly is the Lover of our souls:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16  

There are many examples in the Bible that speak of the Love of Christ.

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14:21  

The Love of Christ is manifested in His:
Coming to seek the lost. - For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10  

Praying for his enemies. - Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. Luke 23:34  

Giving himself for us. - I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20  

Dying for us. - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13  

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
1 John 3:16  

Washing away our sins. - And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, Revelation 1:5  

Interceding for us. - Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25  

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Hebrews 9:24  

Sending the Spirit. - Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. Psalms 68:18  

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:7  

Rebukes and chastisements. - As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19  
Jesus promises that he would continue his care of his disciples in John 14:18-24
I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.
I will not leave you orphans, or fatherless, for though I leave you, yet I leave you this comfort, I will come to you.
I will come speedily to you at my resurrection.
I will come daily to you in my Spirit; in the tokens of his love, and visits of his grace.
I will come certainly at the end of time.
Only those that see Christ with an eye of faith, shall see him for ever: the world sees him no more till his second coming; but his disciples have communion with him in his absence.

Having Christ's commands, we must keep them. And having them in our heads, we must keep them in our hearts and lives. The surest evidence of our love to Christ is, obedience to the laws of Christ.

There are spiritual tokens of Christ and his love given to all believers. Where sincere love to Christ is in the heart, there will be obedience. Love will be a commanding, constraining principle; and where love is, duty follows from a principle of gratitude.

These privileges are confined to those whose faith worketh by love, and whose love to Jesus leads them to keep his commandments. Such are partakers of the Holy Spirit's saving grace.
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