Lyrics - I Set My Hope on Jesus

When this life of trials test my faith

I set my hope on Jesus

When the questions come and doubts remain

I set my hope on Jesus

For the deepest wounds that time won't heal

There's a joy that runs still deeper

There's a truth that's more than all I feel

I set my hope on Jesus

(Chorus)

I set my hope on Jesus

My rock, my only trust

Who set His heart upon me first

I set my hope on Jesus

Though I falter in this war with sin

I set my hope on Jesus

When I fail the fight and sink within

I set my hope on Jesus

Though the shame would drown me in its sea

And I dread the waves of justice

I will cast my life on Calvary

I set my hope on Jesus

(Chorus)

Though the world called me to leave my Lord

I set my hope on Jesus

Though it offer all its vain rewards

I set my hope on Jesus

Though this heart of mine is prone to stray

Give me grace enough to finish

'Til I worship on that final day

I set my hope on Jesus

(Chorus x2)

Bible Memory Verse

(Romans 15:13, ESV)

‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.’

Story Behind the Song

This hymn was written in 2023 by Keith Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa. They had been having a conversation about older Christian friends who really inspired them to keep following the Lord. But they were also thinking of friends who had sadly turned away from the Lord. They wanted to write a song about trusting in the Lord even through all the struggles and hoping in the Lord all the way through life.

Keith began the melody at our home piano and then Matt Papa started reshaping it and alongside Matt Boswell they crafted the lyric together. Each verse looks at three things that often turn us away from the Lord.

1. Questions that are hard to answer

2. Sins that our hard to say sorry for or bring us shame

3. Sufferings that feel too hard to bear.

The chorus is a reminder to continue to set our hope in Christ who loved us first and is strong enough to hold our whole lives.

The hymn was first recorded live at the Sing Conference in 2023.

Something to Think About

I’d like to tell you about a very special person. When I think of her she gives me courage and she helps me trust in the Lord more. Her name is Joni Eareckson Tada.

When she was only 17 years old she dived into shallow water and broke her neck. This meant she would never walk again. She has been in a wheel chair for over fifty years and has helped millions of people all over the world who face disabilities like her. She brings the hope of Christ everywhere she goes.

Her suffering has meant she has asked very hard questions, like the ones in this hymn. Maybe like ones you are asking too. Why did the accident happen? Why did God not heal her? Who would take care of her? Some of the answers to these questions Joni will never fully know until she is with the Lord in heaven. But she has known enough to trust in Him and learned to trust in Him even when she doesn’t understand.

Joni reminds me that a strong life of following Jesus is grown and guarded and glows brighter and brighter one hour, one day at a time by God’s grace. Praying, reading, singing, sharing the Word, day after day. Choosing over and over again to trust in God’s Word. This is how Faith muscles are built!! And you will need these muscles. Life is long and has many battles. I hope this song will help you keep turning to Jesus like Joni. Keep singing about heaven like Joni!

Prayer

Father in heaven,

There are so many things that could make me afraid or anxious or confused. Thank you that you are perfect peace and life and hope. Help me keep my eyes on you and to keep learning and growing strong. In my struggles teach me to hope in you always.

In Jesus name

Amen

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