When I was growing up, I learned to play the piano mostly from some old hymnals. Those hymnals hold many memories and are true treasures to me. As a result, the lyrics from a hymn or a simple melody pop in my head quite often throughout the day.
Today, Take Time to Be Holy has been on my mind quite a bit. This hymn is just a simple little tune with simple lyrics. And while they are simple, the lyrics are commands that we should strive to heed each and every day.
I find this line in verse 2 to be fascinating to think on: “Take time to be holy, the world rushes on.”
The ‘world rushes on’ now, just as it did in 1882 when this hymn was written. While the world is unpredictable as time marches on, Jesus is never changing. He is steadfast and stable.
He is the same now as He was in the beginning.
Another thing that sticks out at me: we must take the time to be holy. We must work at being holy with intentional effort. I will never be like Christ if I just go through my day and never acknowledge Him or read my Bible or come to Him in prayer. It takes work to be like Jesus.
There is no effort more worthy of my time and energy.
Lord, as I go about my week mothering, homeschooling, discipling, and keeping our home, help me to live by this “guide.” Help me take time to be holy, because You are worthy.
Amen.
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.
Words by William D. Longstaff (1882)
Alphabet Beginning Sounds Posters
Thank you for sharing that hymn! I love that idea of taking time to be holy. Blessings!
Thank you for stopping by, Renee. I love that hymn, too. ❤
“Take Time to be Holy” is one of my favorite hymns! It always “speaks” to me and seems to be telling me the way I should strive to live. Thank you for sharing!!
I’ve sung and played it only a million times since I was a little girl, but the Lord gave me fresh eyes for it this week. Yes, how we should strive to live!
Thank you for stopping by today, Pam!
xo, Lauren
Thank you so much for your precious words of encouragement. I stumbled upon your email purely by accident and decided to look at it thinking I would get some ideas for my students- I’m a third grade teacher. While reading your email I was drawn to your words expressing your love of hymns and that you play the piano. I like to play the piano to and I find comfort in such precious hymns as the one you referred to “Take Time to be Holy.” Reading just the words of that hymn spoke to my soul. I so appreciate you sharing this. It really touched me and was the exact words I needed to hear. My heart has been heavy since the passing of my mother five months ago. She was 78 and passed with cancer. Your words were a great comfort and a reminder to stay close to our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you again for that hymn. A great gem of truth.
Hey Sandra, Well, I am so glad that the Lord led you to read that beautiful hymn by accident! 🙂 I, too, take such comfort in those old hymns. When things seem bleak or hopeless (even though they never are because we have a living hope!), those old hymns always pop into my mind. Always.
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mama. Know that I am praying for you today and for the Lord to soothe your heavy heart.
Much Love, Lauren
“It is Well With My Soul” 2nd verse
Amen.
Thank you for this post today! I needed this beautiful daily reminder that I need to take time to be holy and speak oft with the Lord! Thank you and Blessings!
Hey Teri!
I have an increasing need to see/read/hear more beautiful words, Scripture, and thoughts about the Lord. I’m getting weary of living in upside-down world, and need to counter-act that. So I’m trying to think on and post more of those types of things as an encouragement to all of us. ❤
Have a blessed day today, Teri! I really appreciate you stopping by to comment!
xo, Lauren