Scripture Verse

God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Psalm 73:26

Introduction

Words & Mu­sic: Phi­lip P. Bliss, Gos­pel Songs (Cin­cin­na­ti, Ohio: John Church, 1874), num­ber 57 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

portrait
Philip P. Bliss (1838–1876)

Origin of the Song

He wrote [this song] to bring Chris­tians in­to a more full as­sur­ance of sal­va­tion, in con­nec­tion with his ex­pe­ri­ence in Gos­pel meet­ings with doubt­ing Chris­tians who were look­ing to their feel­ings in­stead of the word of God.

Whi­ttle, p. 138

Lyrics

A long time I wan­dered in dark­ness and sin,
And won­dered if ever the light would shine in;
I heard Chris­tian friends tell of rap­tures di­vine,
And wished, how I wished, that their Sav­ior were mine.
I wished He were mine, yes, I wished He were mine;
I wished, how I wished, that their Sav­ior were mine.

I heard the glad Gos­pel of good will to men;
I read who­so­ev­er again and again;
I said to my soul, Can that pro­mise be thine?
And then be­gan hop­ing that Je­sus were mine.
I hoped He was mine, yes, I hoped He was mine;
I then be­gan hop­ing that Je­sus was mine.

Oh, mer­cy sur­pris­ing, He saves ev­en me!
Thy por­tion for­ev­er, He says, I will be.
On His word I’m rest­ing—as­sur­ance di­vine—
I’m hop­ing no long­er—I know He is mine!
I know He is mine, yes, I know He is mine;
I’m hop­ing no long­er—I know He is mine!