1 HOW happy is the pilgrim's lot!
How free from every anxious thought,
From worldly hope and fear!
Confined to neither court nor cell,
His soul disdains on earth to dwell,
He only sojourns here.
2 This happiness in part is mine,
Already saved from self-design,
From every creature-love;
Blest with the scorn of finite good,
My soul is lightened of its load,
And seeks the things above.
3 The things eternal I pursue,
A happiness beyond the view
Of those that basely pant
For things by nature felt and seen;
Their honours, wealth, and pleasures mean
I neither have nor want.
4 I have no babes to hold me here;
But children more securely dear
For mine I humbly claim,
Better than daughters or than sons,
Temples divine of living stones,
Inscribed with Jesu's name.
5 No foot of land do I possess,
No cottage in this wilderness,
A poor wayfaring man,
I lodge awhile in tents below;
Or gladly wander to and fro,
Till I my Canaan gain.
6 Nothing on earth I call my own;
A stranger, to the world unknown,
I all their goods despise;
I trample on their whole delight,
And seek a country out of sight,
A country in the skies.
7 There is my house and portion fair,
My treasure and my heart are there.
And my abiding home;
For me my elder brethren stay,
And angels beckon me away,
And Jesus bids me come.
8 I come, thy servant, Lord, replies,
I come to meet thee in the skies,
And claim my heavenly rest;
Now let the pilgrim's journey end,
Now, O my Saviour, Brother, Friend.
Receive me to thy breast!
This kid is so funny at the church 😂😂😂
How Happy Is The Pilgrim's Lot! Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Charles Wesley’s timeless hymn, "How Happy Is The Pilgrim's Lot!", stands as a powerful and enduring testament to the Christian journey, inviting us to view life through the lens of eternal perspective. Penned by one of history's most prolific and insightful hymn writers, this piece captures the profound spiritual reality of the believer as a sojourner, someone whose true home lies not on this earth but in heaven. The underlying story of the hymn is less about a specific historical event and more about the universal experience of faith – the conscious decision to follow Christ, which inherently marks one as an outsider to the world's values and an inheritor of promises held in a different realm. Wesley beautifully articulates the blessedness found in this pilgrim status, a happiness derived not from earthly comforts or achievements, but from having a secure hope and a divine destination. It’s a call to introspection, prompting the worshiper to examine their own priorities and allegiance.
The hymn's core message revolves around the idea that true happiness for the Christian is intimately tied to their identity as a pilgrim. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture, echoing the words of the author of Hebrews, who speaks of the patriarchs confessing that they were "strangers and exiles on the earth," looking forward to a "better country, that is, a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:13, 16). Wesley channels this perspective, suggesting that the very act of being detached from the world’s fleeting allurements is a source of profound joy. He implies that the pilgrim's freedom from being overly invested in earthly possessions, status, or comfort allows them a clarity of vision focused on eternal realities. This detachment isn't a grim renunciation but a joyful redirection of affection, as the Apostle Paul encourages when he writes, "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that on earth" (Colossians 3:2). The hymn encourages us to see our earthly existence, with all its trials and temporary nature, as merely a journey towards a glorious, permanent home.
Analyzing the hymn further reveals its masterful way of contrasting the world's view of happiness with the believer's. The world often equates happiness with ease, wealth, and belonging, yet Wesley posits that the pilgrim's "lot," or experience, is characterized by a blessed state *despite* earthly hardship or lack of rootedness. This resonates strongly with Jesus' teachings in the Beatitudes, where He declares those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, and those who are persecuted are "blessed" (Matthew 5:3-11), promising them the kingdom of heaven, comfort, and righteousness. The hymn, through its verses, paints a picture of a soul whose security is not in their surroundings but in their relationship with God and the promised future. It reminds us that while we walk through this life, we are under divine guidance and protection, like the psalmist who proclaims, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want... He leads me beside still waters" (Psalm 23:1-2). This trust in God's leading provides strength and contentment for the journey, making the pilgrim’s reliance on God their ultimate source of joy.
Furthermore, "How Happy Is The Pilgrim's Lot!" serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate destination. The hope of heaven is not just a distant concept but a living reality that shapes the present journey. It is the anticipation of reaching the "better country" that empowers the pilgrim to endure hardship and remain steadfast. This aligns with the biblical promise of an eternal home where God "will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore" (Revelation 21:4). The hymn essentially transforms the often challenging experience of Christian discipleship into a joyful march towards glory. By focusing on the blessed outcome – union with Christ and eternal life – Wesley reframes the temporary discomforts and struggles of the pilgrim life. The song encourages us to lift our eyes beyond the immediate circumstances and fix them on the prize that awaits, understanding that our "light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17). It’s an inspiring call to embrace our identity as pilgrims with joy, knowing that our true citizenship is in heaven, and our ultimate happiness is secured in Christ.
