While on the flight to Orlando, I finished reading The Spiritual Secret of Hudson Taylor by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor.  Written in the first half of the 20th century, it’s not the most engaging biography, but Hudson Taylor is a fascinating figure in early missions history.

I have enjoyed the fruits of the recent resurgence in hymn-writing, including the work of the band Indelible Grace.  Imagine my surprise to read that Hudson Taylor’s favorite hymn was “Jesus, I am Resting, Resting,” which was recently revived and made popular by Matthew Smith of Indelible Grace.  Click here to listen to his recording.

Dr. Taylor says of Hudson Taylor, “He had learned that, for him, only one life was possible – just that blessed life of resting and rejoicing in the Lord under all circumstances, while He dealt with the difficulties inward and outward, great and small” (p. 325).

Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting

Words by Jean S. Pigott

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.

O, how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea!
O, how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Belovèd,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.

Refrain

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!

Refrain

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.

Refrain