Sovereign Grace Music - Gladly Would I Leave Behind Me Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
Gladly would I leave behind me
All the pleasure I have known
To pursue surpassing treasures
At the throne of God the Son
Worthy of unending worship
Love and loveliness is He
By His precious death were millions
From the jaws of death set free
Verse 2
Gladly would I give to Jesus
All affection, everything
For the washing of His mercy
Makes my ransomed heart to sing
"Holy, holy!" is the chorus
Rising up from those who see
Christ exalted, bright and burning
Full of pow'r and purity
Chorus
Where else can I go?
Jesus, You're the One
That I was made to know
What else can I do?
Jesus, You're my all
I gladly run to You
Verse 3
Gladly would I flee temptations
For their troubles fill my life
Turn and seek my God and Savior
For His goodness satisfies
Earthly treasures, all are passing
Thieves break in and rust destroys
But in God are awesome splendor
Love, and everlasting joys
Tag
Gladly would I give to Jesus
All affection, everything
For the washing of His mercy
Makes my ransomed heart to sing
Video
Gladly Would I Leave Behind Me [Official Lyric Video]
Meaning & Inspiration
Sovereign Grace Music's profound declaration of devotion, "Gladly Would I Leave Behind Me," released on October 4, 2012, as part of their album *From Age to Age*, emerges as a powerful testament to the believer's call for radical surrender to Christ. This song is a lyrical journey of conviction, mapping out the transformational shift in priorities that accompanies a life centered on God. It articulates a spiritual reorientation, where the fleeting allure of worldly pleasures gives way to the enduring glory of God, painting a vivid picture of a soul fully captivated by the Person and work of Jesus Christ.
The essence of the song unfolds in its unwavering declaration to forsake all earthly enticements for the sake of Christ. Verse one immediately establishes this theme, expressing a deep desire to abandon "all the pleasure I have known" to pursue "surpassing treasures at the throne of God the Son." This isn't a reluctant sacrifice but a joyful exchange, recognizing Christ's ultimate worth. The lyrics highlight His supreme value, proclaiming Him "worthy of unending worship," emphasizing His "love and loveliness." This profound understanding of Christ's character is inextricably linked to His redemptive act; it is "By His precious death" that "millions from the jaws of death" are set free. This mirrors the biblical truth found in Philippians 3:7-8, where Paul counts everything as loss for the sake of knowing Christ, and Colossians 3:1-2, which instructs us to set our minds on things above, where Christ is seated. The song’s focus on Christ’s redemptive power beautifully aligns with 1 Peter 1:18-19, reminding us that we are redeemed not with perishable things but with the precious blood of Christ.
Moving into verse two, the song deepens the commitment, declaring a desire to give "All affection, everything" to Jesus. This reflects the Great Commandment to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37) and the call to present our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2). This complete surrender is not a burden but a joyful response to the "washing of His mercy" which "makes my ransomed heart to sing." Here, the cleansing power of God's grace leads to uninhibited praise. The resulting song is not a mere melody, but a chorus of "Holy, holy!" rising from those who "see Christ exalted, bright and burning, Full of pow'r and purity." This imagery evokes the seraphim's cry in Isaiah 6:3 and the heavenly worship described in Revelation 4:8, signifying the awe and adoration due to a sovereign and spotless God. The transformation from a life entangled in earthly pursuits to one singing praises is a testament to the regenerative work of the Spirit, as spoken of in Titus 3:5.
The chorus serves as the song's anchor, a fervent rhetorical question that grounds the entire message: "Where else can I go? Jesus, You're the One that I was made to know. What else can I do? Jesus, You're my all, I gladly run to You." This declares the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ, echoing Peter’s confession in John 6:68, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." It affirms the fundamental truth that humanity was created for relationship with God, finding ultimate purpose and fulfillment in Him alone, as Colossians 1:16 teaches that all things were created by Him and for Him. The active phrase, "I gladly run to You," conveys an eager, unreserved pursuit, a joyful and willing submission to His lordship, recognizing Him as one's complete satisfaction and strength (Psalm 73:25).
Verse three broadens the scope of devotion to include a longing to "flee temptations" which bring trouble, and instead "turn and seek my God and Savior, For His goodness satisfies." This highlights the practical outworking of faith—a deliberate turning from sin and towards the One who truly provides contentment. It speaks to the emptiness of worldly enticements and the profound satisfaction found only in God, a truth affirmed in Psalm 107:9, which says He satisfies the longing soul. The song then contrasts the transient nature of "earthly treasures, all are passing," prone to thieves and rust, with the eternal reality that "in God are awesome splendor, Love, and everlasting joys." This stark comparison directly quotes Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:19-21, emphasizing the wisdom of investing in eternal riches over fading temporal possessions. The permanence of God's attributes—His splendor, love, and joy—offers an unshakeable hope and satisfaction that no worldly gain can replicate.
The concluding tag reiterates the profound commitment from verse two, circling back to the theme of gladly giving "All affection, everything" to Jesus because of His transformative mercy. This repetition reinforces the central message: true devotion springs from a grateful heart that has experienced the cleansing power of God's grace. It leaves a lasting impression of worship born not out of obligation, but out of a deep-seated joy and profound love for the One who has ransomed us. "Gladly Would I Leave Behind Me" is more than just a song; it's a prayer, a declaration, and an invitation to a life wholly devoted to Christ, reminding believers of the incomparable worth of Jesus and the unparalleled joy found in His presence. It serves as a powerful anthem for those seeking to prioritize eternal treasures over temporal gains, inspiring a passionate, unwavering pursuit of God above all else.