****LOVE LIFTED ME

The hymn, LOVE LIFTED ME was written and published in 1912. James Rowe wrote the lyrics and his friend, Howard Smith composed the melody.

Rowe’s daughter recalled how they had worked together.  “I can see them now, my father striding back and forth humming a bar or two, and Howard playing it and then jotting it down.  The two huddled together, working line by line, bar by bar.  Howard’s hands were severely twisted with arthritis, yet he still managed to play the piano.”

The hymn is based on two biblical accounts. The first is in Matt. 8.  While Jesus was asleep in the boat, His disciples were terrified by a fierce storm.  They woke Him and appealed to Him for help.  Jesus rebuked the wind and raging sea and, at His command, everything was calm.

The second account is in Matt.14.  The disciples were out on the sea when they saw Jesus was walking toward them on the water.  When He came near, He commanded Peter to join Him.  Peter got out and walked toward Jesus but when he looked down at the water, he became frightened and began to sink.  He cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and lifted him out of the water and asked, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

 

When they got into the boat, the wind suddenly stopped. And all those who were in the boat worshipped Him, saying, “Surely, You are the Son of God!”

There is a simple Gospel message in this hymn.

The first verse describes our redemption.  In our natural condition, as lost sinners, we were in imminent danger and in need of a Savior to rescue us.

Verse two describes our new life.  Only in Christ can we live, serve, and praise, Him.

The third verse is evangelistic.  It is a warning to others and a plea for them to look up and trust Jesus Christ, the only One who can save them.

The refrain declares our testimony; "When nothing else could help, LOVE LIFTED ME."

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Some are critical of this hymn only because the upbeat tempo seems unfit for the seriousness of the lyrics.  I really like this slower, more worshipful rendition by the Gaithers.