1 I WILL not let thee go, thou Help in time of need!
Heap ill on ill,
I trust thee still,
Even when it seems that thou wouldst slay indeed!
Do as thou wilt with me,
I yet will cling to thee,
Hide thou thy face, yet, Help in time of need;
I will not let thee go!
2 I will not let thee go. Should I forsake my bliss?
No, thou art mine,
And I am thine,
Thee will I hold when all things else I miss!
Though dark and sad the night,
Joy cometh with thy light,
O thou my Sun; should I forsake my bliss?
I will not let thee go!
3 I will not let thee go, my God, my Life, my Lord
Not death can tear
Me from his care,
Who for my sake his soul in death outpoured.
Thou diedst for love to me,
I say in love to thee,
Even when my heart shall break, my God, my life, my Lord,
I will not let thee go!
I Will Not Let Thee Go, Thou Help In Time Of Need!
I Will Not Let Thee Go, Thou Help In Time Of Need! Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Charles Wesley's powerful hymn, "I Will Not Let Thee Go, Thou Help in Time of Need!," stands as a profound declaration of unwavering faith and relentless devotion. The lyrics convey a determined resolve to cling to God regardless of external circumstances or internal struggles. This resolute stance is established from the opening lines and echoed throughout, painting a picture of faith that persists through trials, suffering, and even when God's presence seems hidden or adversarial. It is a faith that trusts God's nature and promises more than the immediate, often harsh, realities of life.
The hymn articulates a deeply personal relationship with the divine, identifying God not merely as a distant power but as "Help in time of need," "my bliss," "my Sun," "my God, my Life, my Lord." This intimate connection forms the basis for the speaker's refusal to let go. The lyrics contrast the potential loss of all earthly things with the enduring possession of God, asserting that even if everything else is taken, the divine presence is sufficient. The transition from darkness and sorrow to the light and joy found in God emphasizes His role as the essential source of comfort and hope, the true bliss that should never be abandoned.
A pivotal element of the hymn is its grounding in the sacrificial love of Christ. The third stanza elevates the commitment by connecting it to the ultimate act of divine love: God pouring out His soul in death for humanity's sake. This sacrificial love provides the motivation and assurance for the speaker's reciprocal love and unwavering grip on God. The commitment is so absolute that it transcends even death or the breaking of one's own heart, rooted in the unshakeable truth of Christ's sacrifice and care.
This hymn's central theme of refusing to let go of God directly echoes the biblical account in Genesis 32:26, where Jacob wrestled with a divine figure and declared, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." Wesley transforms this struggle into a posture of steadfast reliance and love, even in the absence of an immediate blessing or during moments of perceived hardship. Other scripture informs the themes, including numerous Psalms that speak of God as a refuge and help in trouble (e.g., Psalm 46:1) and the New Testament emphasis on Christ's love and sacrifice (e.g., Romans 5:8). Written by Charles Wesley, one of history's most prolific hymn writers, the hymn continues to inspire believers to hold fast to their faith through all of life's challenges. A song video featuring the hymn was released on May 6, 2008, bringing this enduring message to a contemporary audience. The hymn remains a timeless testament to the power of tenacious faith and the deep, abiding connection between a believer and their God.
