The Booth Brothers - Haven of Rest Lyrics
Lyrics
My soul in sad exile was out on life's sea
So burdened with sin and distress
'Til I heard a sweet voice saying, "Make Me your choice"
Then I entered the Haven of Rest
I've anchored my soul
In the Haven of Rest
I'll sail the wide sea no more
The tempest may sweep
O'er the wild stormy deep
In Jesus I'm safe evermore
Come to the Savior; He patiently waits
To save by His power divine
Come anchor your soul in the Haven of Rest
And say, "My Beloved is mine"
I've anchored my soul
In the Haven of Rest
I'll sail the wide sea no more
The tempest may sweep
O'er the wild stormy deep
In Jesus I'm safe evermore
I've anchored my soul
In the Haven of Rest
I'll sail the wide sea no more
The tempest may sweep
O'er the wild stormy deep
In Jesus I'm safe
In Jesus I'm safe
In Jesus I'm safe evermore
Video
Booth Brothers - Haven of Rest 1997
Meaning & Inspiration
The Booth Brothers' rendition of "Haven of Rest," released in 1997 and made available digitally on February 16, 2013, stands as a timeless beacon of hope, masterfully articulating the profound journey from spiritual aimlessness to secure salvation. This classic hymn, brought to life with the Booth Brothers' distinct harmonies, delves deep into the human experience of searching for peace and finding ultimate solace in faith. The song opens with the imagery of a soul adrift, declaring, "My soul in sad exile was out on life's sea / So burdened with sin and distress." This potent metaphor of being lost at sea vividly captures the human condition apart from divine guidance—a state of wandering and being weighed down by the consequences of sin, as articulated in Romans 3:23, which states that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." It speaks to the universal longing for stability and freedom from the spiritual tempest. The pivotal turning point arrives with the phrase, "‘Til I heard a sweet voice saying, 'Make Me your choice' / Then I entered the Haven of Rest." This "sweet voice" is unmistakably the invitation of Christ, echoing His gracious call in Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." The "Haven of Rest" is, therefore, the saving grace and unwavering security found in a personal relationship with Jesus, a place of peace that transcends worldly understanding.
The enduring core of the song is powerfully captured in its anchor imagery: "I've anchored my soul / In the Haven of Rest / I'll sail the wide sea no more." This imagery is richly biblical, calling to mind Hebrews 6:19, which describes hope in Christ as "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." To anchor one's soul signifies a decisive, unwavering commitment to Christ, putting an end to the restless quest for meaning in temporary solutions. It suggests a finality to the spiritual wandering, a firm establishment in truth and grace. Even as the lyrics acknowledge that "The tempest may sweep / O'er the wild stormy deep," the declaration "In Jesus I'm safe evermore" provides profound assurance. This does not deny the reality of life's trials and tribulations, but rather affirms that Christ's presence offers an impenetrable shield against them, reminiscent of Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." This message of eternal security is a cornerstone of Christian faith, echoing Christ's promise in John 10:28: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."
The song extends an earnest invitation to others, imploring, "Come to the Savior; He patiently waits / To save by His power divine." This verse underscores God's unending patience and His desire for all to come to repentance, as described in 2 Peter 3:9. It emphasizes that salvation is not a human endeavor but a divine act, an impartation of God's supernatural power to transform lives, aligning with Ephesians 2:8-9 which declares that "by grace you have been saved through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." The concluding exhortation to "Come anchor your soul in the Haven of Rest / And say, 'My Beloved is mine'" transitions the collective invitation into a deeply personal declaration. The phrase "My Beloved is mine" echoes the intimate relationship described in the Song of Solomon 2:16, signifying a profound spiritual union and ownership of one's faith in Christ. It's a statement of belonging and an affirmation of the covenant established through salvation, moving beyond merely accepting a belief to embracing an identity rooted in Christ. The Booth Brothers' vocal delivery, while not the primary focus here, perfectly serves this powerful message, conveying both the solemnity of being lost and the triumphant joy of being found, offering a compelling blend of reverence and heartfelt appeal that encourages and uplifts all who engage with this timeless hymn. "Haven of Rest" remains a testament to the unchanging power of the Gospel, inviting all to find their ultimate peace and safety in Jesus.