The Haven of Rest

Long before I was saved, I was attracted to the hymn entitled The Haven of Rest.  I would often sing it to myself as a kid. I loved the tune as it ebbed and crested like the waves of the sea it talks about.  

Although I did not comprehend the message as a kid, I think the Lord listened to me sing it, and smiled at what He had in store for me.  The words are as follows:

  • My soul in sad exile was out on life’s sea, So burdened with sin and distressed, Till I heard a sweet voice saying “Make Me your choice,” And I entered the haven of rest.
  • I yielded myself to His tender embrace, And faith taking hold of the Word, My fetters fell off, and I anchored my soul.  The haven of rest is my Lord.
  • The song of my soul, since the Lord made me whole, has been the old story so blest, Of Jesus, who’ll save whosoever will have A home in the haven of rest.
  • Oh, come to the Saviour, He patiently waits To save by His power divine.  Come, anchor your soul in the haven of rest, And say, “My Beloved is mine.”
  • Chorus: I’ve anchored my soul in the haven of rest.  I’ll sail the wide seas no more. The tempest may sweep o’er the wild stormy deep; In Jesus I’m safe evermore.

                                                             Written by Henry Gilmore, 1837 – 1920

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.  Hebrews 4:9&10