1 O THOU whom fain my soul would love!
Whom I would gladly die to know;
This veil of unbelief remove,
And show me, all thy goodness show;
Jesus, thyself in me reveal,
Tell me thy name, thy nature tell.
2 Hast thou been with me, Lord, so long,
Yet thee, my Lord, have I not known?
I claim thee with a faltering tongue,
I pray thee, in a feeble groan,
Tell me, O tell me, who thou art,
And speak thy name into my heart!
3 If now thou talkest by the way
With such an abject worm as me,
Thy mystery of grace display;
Open mine eyes that I may see,
That I may understand thy word,
And now cry out - "It is the Lord!"
O Thou Whom Fain My Soul Would Love!
O Thou Whom Fain My Soul Would Love! Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on October 7, 2022, this recording brings renewed life to Charles Wesley's timeless hymn, "O Thou Whom Fain My Soul Would Love!". Stepping immediately into the essence of this piece, it captures the deep, almost aching desire of a soul reaching out for God, a yearning echoed throughout the Psalms where the psalmist thirsts for God like a deer pants for water (Psalm 42:1). The hymn is born from the heart of someone who understands that while intellectual assent to faith is important, the true dwelling place for the soul is in a loving, dynamic relationship with the Divine presence. Wesley's text probes the depths of this spiritual longing, asking for God to reveal Himself, to be known intimately, not just as a distant deity, but as the One in whom the soul finds its true rest and fulfillment, reflecting Christ's own invitation to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28).
Analyzing the rich theological tapestry Wesley weaves, the hymn speaks profoundly to the human condition's struggle for wholeness and peace outside of God. It’s a prayer for the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, for God to make His home within us, a concept central to New Testament teaching (John 14:23, 1 Corinthians 6:19). The text expresses a fervent desire for God to fill every part of one's being, displacing sin, doubt, and fear, and establishing a kingdom of love within, aligning with the prayer for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, starting in our own lives (Matthew 6:10). It’s a recognition that God is the ultimate source of peace, the refuge in times of trouble, and the constant companion sought by a seeking heart, as Jeremiah 29:13 promises that we will find God when we seek Him with all our heart. This recording allows the profound meaning of Wesley's words to resonate, providing a space for personal reflection and a renewed call to draw closer to the One whom the soul was created to love. It serves as a musical invitation to pursue the abundant life found in Christ, a life of abiding in His love and being transformed by His presence (John 15:9-10). The song, in its structure and melodic setting, whether traditional or a fresh interpretation, provides a vehicle for this deep, personal communion, encouraging those who engage with it to press further into their own spiritual journey, seeking that ultimate union with the divine love that satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart.
