Lyrics
It may not be on the mountain’s height,
Or over the stormy sea;
It may not be at the battle’s front,
My Lord will have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls,
To paths that I do not know,
I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine,
I’ll go where You want me to go.
I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord,
O’er mountain, or plain, or sea;
I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I’ll be what You want me to be.
Perhaps today there are loving words
Which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now in the paths of sin,
Some wand’rer whom I should seek;
O Savior, if Thou wilt be my guide,
Though dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo Thy message sweet,
I’ll say what You want me to say.
There’s surely somewhere a lowly place,
In earth’s harvest fields so white,
Where I may labor through life’s short day,
For Jesus the Crucified;
So trusting my all to Thy tender care,
And knowing Thou lovest me,
I’ll do Thy will with a heart sincere,
I’ll be what You want me to be.
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Meaning & Inspiration
The hymn presents Christian service as a willing response to divine direction. Its three verses move through going, speaking, and becoming, so obedience includes place, words, and character. The possible setting may be distant and difficult, but it may also be a quiet task nearby. A still, small call, a wandering person in need, and a lowly place in the harvest fields keep the emphasis on faithfulness rather than prominence. Trust in the Lord provides courage for work that may be unfamiliar or demanding.
The language closely suits biblical calls to mission and service. Isaiahs readiness to be sent parallels the opening commitment, while Jesus describes a plentiful harvest needing laborers. The request for guidance also recognizes that service depends on the Lord rather than personal confidence alone. Across the verses, obedience is practical: the servant goes where directed, speaks gracious words, seeks those who wander, and accepts humble labor. The hymn therefore joins missionary purpose with daily surrender, presenting availability itself as an important act of discipleship.
Related Scripture
- Isaiah 6:8 Isaiah responds to Gods call by offering himself to be sent.
- Matthew 9:37-38 Jesus describes a plentiful harvest and calls for laborers to be sent into it.
- 1 Kings 19:12 Elijah encounters Gods quiet voice, echoed by the hymns reference to a still, small call.