“The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:8)

Departing home at the age of 15 to study in the big city of Seoul was a daunting challenge for me. Leaving the embrace of my family and the nurturing environment of my home church, where dreams were fostered and love abounded, left me feeling alone in this vast city, Seoul. In those moments when I felt adrift and distant from God, hymn singing became my solace. The act of singing hymns allowed me to express my heart honestly and to feel the comforting presence of God. Among all the hymns, "Be Thou My Vision" resonated with me deeply, giving voice to my intimate yearning for the Lover of my soul. I often sang this hymn alone, privately, giving a poetic voice to my deep love and longing for God.

The origins of "Be Thou My Vision" are shrouded in the mists of ancient Ireland. Its writer, though unknown, was undoubtedly a poet and possibly a saint. The hymn carries an Irish melody, and its authorship is often attributed to St. Patrick himself. Kidnapped and enslaved in Ireland at the age of sixteen, Patrick learned the Gaelic language and absorbed Irish customs during his captivity. It was during this time that he also embraced Christianity. Years later, after returning to his family in England, Patrick felt called to bring God's light to Ireland as a missionary. "Be Thou My Vision" is believed to echo the sentiments of Patrick's new life—a life dedicated to Christ. The hymn, once obscured by the passage of time, now enjoys a revival, touching the hearts of millions.

Reflecting on my own journey, I recognize that God has led me down unconventional paths, often through uncertainty and darkness. Yet, through it all, God has been my true compass, guiding me along His divine path and transforming my heart and mind. While I cannot fully explain why this hymn resonates with me so deeply, its ancient Irish prayer and haunting melody serve as a reminder of my eternal connection to God. Particularly, Verse 2 speaks to me, expressing a desire for God's wisdom and knowledge to fill me completely: “I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father; I Thy true son.” Indeed, "Be Thou My Vision" is a priceless gift—a testament to the God-inspired creativity of ancient Celtic poets. May God continue to be your vision now and forevermore.

Pastor Seok-Hwan

REFLECTION AND PRAYER:

Be Thou My Vision

1. Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that thou art;

Thou my best thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

2. Be thou my Wisdom, and thou my true Word;

I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, and I thy true son,

Thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.

3. Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise;

Thou mine inheritance, now and always;

Thou and thou only, first in my heart,

High King of heaven, my treasure thou art.

4. High King of heaven, my victory won,

May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Text: Ancient Irish; trans. by Mary E. Byrne

Tune: Trad. Irish melody; harm. by Carlton R. Young, 1963