I encountered Horatius Bonar years ago while reading about Robert Murray McCheyne and, then, by reading his book, Words to Winners of Souls. His work has ministered to me in many ways. In his hymns he has a wonderful way of proclaiming the gospel in poetic form. My poem of the week this week is a beautiful example.

“I Hear the Words of Love” powerfully reminds us that our hope, our security, our peace rests in the steadfastness of God and not in our own vacillating feelings or thoughts. What an important and glorious truth! And, what a beautiful way to refer to the gospel- “words of love.” After singing this a week ago at church, it has been in my mind ever since.

I Hear the Words of Love

I hear the words of love,
I gaze upon the blood,
I see the mighty sacrifice,
And I have peace with God.

’Tis everlasting peace,
Sure as Jehovah’s Name;
’Tis stable as His steadfast throne,
For evermore the same.

The clouds may go and come,
And storms may sweep my sky;
This blood-sealed friendship changes not,
The cross is ever nigh.

I change—He changes not;
The Christ can never die;
His love, not mine, the resting-place;
His truth, not mine, the tie.

My love is oftimes low,
My joy still ebbs and flows;
But peace with Him remains the same,
No change Jehovah knows.

–          Horatius Bonar, Hymns of Faith & Hope, second series, 1861.