MY HOPE IS IN THE LORD

Sometimes there are great hymns for which you can't find any historical background. Such is the case with this week's hymn. All I can find is that the words and music were written by Norman Clayton, a recent hymn writer, who lived from 1903 to 1992. If you know something about the background, please leave a comment which we all can read and share. The hymn could be based on Psalm 71:5, "For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth". But even if we don't know the story of its writing, the words speak for themselves. We all need hope and what better hope can there be than that based on the One who gave himself for us, who paid the price of all our sin, who represents us before God the Father, and gives us everlasting life. And as the final verse says, there is nothing we have done to receive this hope and life, it is through His grace. All we can do is believe and receive this gift and hope. Concentrate on these words as you sing them in humility and thankfulness.

My hope is in the Lord Who gave Himself for me,

And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary.

For me He died, For me He lives,

And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

No merit of my own His anger to suppress.

My only hope is found in Jesus' righteousness.

For me He died, For me He lives,

And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

And now for me He stands Before the Father's throne.

He shows His wounded hands and names me as His own.

For me He died, For me He lives,

And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

His grace has planned it all, 'Tis mine but to believe,

And recognize His work of love and Christ receive.

For me He died, For me He lives,

And everlasting life and light He freely gives.