Be Thou My Vision Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Be Thou My Vision is a powerful and inspiring hymn that has stood the test of time. It was originally an Irish hymn, “Slane,” and is often attributed to the sixth-century Irish poet Saint Dallán Forgaill. The song was translated into English in 1905 by Mary Elizabeth Byrne, and the melody was added in 1912 by Eleanor Hull.
The song has since been covered by countless artists and has become a staple in many Christian churches and gatherings.
Meaning of the Song
The lyrics of Be Thou My Vision are a beautiful and heartfelt prayer to God, asking Him to be the center of our lives. The first line of the song, “Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,” sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. It is a humble plea to God to be our guiding light, our source of wisdom and strength, and our constant companion.
The second line, “Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art,” is a declaration of our desire to focus solely on God. We recognize that there are other things in our lives that can distract us from Him, but we ask Him to help us keep our eyes fixed on Him.
The third line, “Thou my best thought, by day or by night,” is a recognition that God should be our top priority, our first and foremost thought in all situations. We should seek His guidance and wisdom in everything we do.
The fourth line, “Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light,” is a reminder that God is with us always, even in the darkest of times. We can take comfort in knowing that He is watching over us and guiding us on our journey.
The fifth line, “Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true Word,” speaks to our need for God's guidance and direction. We acknowledge that we are not capable of navigating life on our own, and we ask God to be our source of wisdom and truth.
The sixth line, “I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord,” is a declaration of our desire to be in a constant state of communion with God. We want to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to Him and to always be aware of His presence in our lives.
The seventh line, “Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son,” is a reminder of our identity as children of God. We are not alone in this world; we have a loving Father who cares for us deeply and desires the best for us.
The eighth line, “Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one,” speaks to our desire to be united with God. We want to be so close to Him that we are one with Him, sharing in His love and grace.
The ninth line, “Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,” is a recognition that the things of this world are temporary and ultimately unsatisfying. We should not place our value or identity in material possessions or the opinions of others.
The tenth line, “Thou mine inheritance, now and always,” is a reminder that our true inheritance is in heaven. We should focus on storing up treasures there, rather than in this world.
The eleventh line, “Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,” is a declaration of our desire to put God first in our lives. He should be the most important thing to us, above all else.
The final two lines, “High King of heaven, my victory won, may I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun!” are a declaration of our hope and desire to spend eternity with God. We acknowledge that our victory has already been won through Jesus Christ, and we look forward to the day when we will be with Him forever.
Inspiration and Story Behind the Song
The inspiration and story behind Be Thou My Vision are not entirely clear, as the original Irish hymn has been lost to history. However, it is believed that the song was written as a tribute to Saint Patrick and his influence on Irish Christianity.
Saint Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century, and his teachings had a profound impact on the Irish people. The lyrics of Be Thou My Vision reflect this influence, as they are a prayer to God for guidance and wisdom.
Bible Verses Referenced in the Song
There are several Bible verses that the lyrics of Be Thou My Vision reference. Here are a few:
- Psalm 16:8 - "I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken."
- Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
- John 1:1-3 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."
Practical Applications for Christian Living
The lyrics of Be Thou My Vision offer several practical applications for Christian living. Here are a few:
- Prioritize God in your life. Make Him the center of everything you do, and seek His guidance in all situations.
- Seek wisdom and guidance from God. Recognize that you are not capable of navigating life on your own, and ask God to be your source of wisdom and truth.
- Remember your identity as a child of God. You are not alone in this world; you have a loving Father who cares for you deeply and desires the best for you.
- Focus on storing up treasures in heaven, rather than in this world. Recognize that the things of this world are temporary and ultimately unsatisfying, and prioritize eternal things.
- Look forward to spending eternity with God. Remember that your victory has already been won through Jesus Christ, and look forward to the day when you will be with Him forever.
In conclusion, Be Thou My Vision is a powerful and inspiring hymn that offers a beautiful prayer to God for guidance and wisdom. The lyrics remind us to prioritize God in our lives, seek His wisdom and guidance, remember our identity as children of God, focus on eternal things, and look forward to spending eternity with Him. As we sing this hymn, may we be reminded of the greatness and goodness of our God, and may we be inspired to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to Him.
