jesus i am resting resting and a gentle new season

There remains a rest for the people of God // Hebrews 4:9 

Over a decade ago, right when my health started to fail, I was introduced to the beautiful hymn, “Jesus I am Resting, Resting”. Written in 1876 by Jean Sophia Pigott, whose brother was martyred in the Boxer Rebellion, this beautiful hymn was said to be one of Hudson Taylor’s favorites. 

I can understand why. 

Written by a woman who had endured loss, trauma, and so many more things, this song has been a balm to many wounded hearts. Over the last 15 months I have found this to be incredibly true for myself.

This simple yet profound hymn has gently reminded me of the truth and hope of Hebrews 4:9. As some of you know these past 15 months have been some of the most stressful, painful, and deeply wounding behind the scenes for me for some very personal reasons and your prayers have been such a blessing during this season. 

As this painful season concludes- some with beautiful answers beyond my expectations and some things that most likely will not be answered until Heaven and are tearfully surrendered to the Lord and the Lord has humbly answered several major prayers…and one beautiful thing is that rest and repair are even more treasured words and themes to my little heart in this gentle new season of restoration.

I shared a reel on instagram in September (click HERE to watch) with one of my favorite versions of this hymn. The pictures are from some sacred scenes from places and times I was crying out to the Lord with weeping and begging during this season… and this hymn was brokenly sung through tears. I hope you will go over and watch and share with your community who may need this tender encouragement right now also.

These verses seem so particularly fitting for this season that I find myself in and this hymn seems to hold even more significance to my little heart right now. 

I hope that these words encourage your heart and soul today and bring rest and encouragement to the places of needed rest and repair in your leave. If there is anything I can pray for you about- please reach out via email or leave a comment so we can all be praying for you. 

I am so grateful for this community. 

The Lord will be the place of repair for His people //Joel 3

Jesus I am Resting, Resting Lyrics

 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,
as 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.

2 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. [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 ev'ry need,
compasseth me round with blessings:
thine is love indeed. [Refrain]

4 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]