Sometimes when we sing we may get caught up in who is leading a song or whether or
not the song was sung correctly or “I wish we were singing a different song.” Last week during
our Sunday evening singing, we sang the song “Give Me Thy Heart” (thank you Ray!). As is so
often the case after hearing a song, I continue to play and replay it in my mind and out loud.
Many of the songs in the songbook are taken directly from Scripture. This one is no
exception. I am reminded of the words of Jesus when He said, “Come to Me, all who are weary
and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am
gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). Several
thoughts come to mind:
1) Jesus doesn’t “make” anyone do what they don’t want to do. We have a choice: to follow or
not to follow. It has always been that way (Adam and Eve had choice) and will always be that
way. The invitation has been given to us, but it is our choice to accept the invitation or not.
“Gratefully trust Me, and give Me thy heart.”
2) What the Lord has to offer is far greater than anything the world has to offer. That is not what
we hear from TV ads today, but it doesn’t change the fact that God offers eternal life, rest (or
peace) that the world doesn’t understand (John 14:27; 16:33). But to enjoy that peace, we must
choose to give up our way and accept the way of the Lord. “Turn now from sin, and from evil
depart, have I not died for Thee? Give Me thy heart.”
3) The Lord pleads for now, but there is coming a time when He will no longer call. “Behold, I
stand at the door and knock; if any one hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him,
and will dine with him, and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20). But how long will He continue to knock.
Won’t you give Him your heart?

“From this dark world, He would draw thee apart, speaking so tenderly,

‘Give Me thy heart’.”