Isaac Watts | What's The Good Word?

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Alas! And did my Savior bleed, and did my sovereign die? Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?

Was it for crimes that I had done He groaned upon the tree? Amazing pity, grace unknown, and love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide and shut his glories in when God, the mighty maker, died for His own creatures’ sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face while His dear cross appears, dissolve my heart in thankfulness, and melt mine eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay the debt of love I owe; here, Lord, I give myself away: ‘Tis all that I can do.

Hymn Text by Isaac Watts, 1674-1748

“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:19-20

Nehemiah 12:27-13:31; 1 Corinthians 11:3-16; Psalm 35:1-16; Proverbs 21:17-18

“He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.” Proverbs 21:17

Lord Jesus, teach me to love what you love, to walk in your ways. Help me to deny myself when cravings for pleasure takes precedence over a desire to please and serve you. Help me to manage wisely the resources you’ve blessed me with and to not fritter them away on meaningless things. Forgive me, Lord Jesus, for seeking my own pleasure at the expense of devotion to you. Cleanse my heart of misplaced affections. Fill it with fervent love for you. In your name I pray, Amen.

Oh that the Lord would guide my ways;

to keep his statutes still!

Oh that my God would grant me grace

to know and do his will!

Order my footsteps by your word

and make my heart sincere;

let sin have no dominion Lord,

but keep my conscience clear.

Assist my soul to apt to stray

A stricter watch to keep;

If ever I forget you way,

Restore your wand’ring sheep.

Make me to walk in your commands,

a most delightful road;

Nor let my head or heart or hands

offend against my God.

~Isaac Watts, 1674-1748