" But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay"
Jeremiah 20v9b
Have you ever found yourself looking back in your spiritual life, only to be shocked to realise you are nowhere near where you had been and even further from where you should be? Where Is My Fire for Thou My Lord is a prayerful hymn focused on the restoration of the fire that was once found in the life of a Christian. This fire will not somehow return suddenly; it requires repentance and submission to the Lord. Outward activity and sacrifice may look promising, yet if Christ is neglected it is not done to His glory.
Hymn History
During my first weekend serving in Brighton at West Hill Baptist Chapel I was excited to see the church gather on Sunday morning. However, when the service started at 11 am, only two had come in. Surely after many years this church would be larger than a few people or someone would come in from yesterday's outreach, right?
Discouraged by a lower attendance than what I had anticipated, I flipped through the hymnal to sing the opening hymn: "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation". Then, in the third verse, we came to the line with this challenge: 'Ponder anew what the Almighty can do'. This made me realise the Sunday morning attendance is not what matters. The time sacrificed in outreach is not what matters. All that matters is having faith, for the letter to the Hebrews states:
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
Hebrews 11v6
Thus I wondered within myself: Where is my faith? Where is my fire? Later that evening I typed up this hymn and added the last verse in the morning.
Jonathan Moerdijk
Where is my fire for Thou my Lord?
My terrified heart grew cold.
Where my desire to use the Sword
That I once loved to hold?
Lord, use Thy Word against me now;
I need my body slain.
The old and new beneath the plough,
O split my life in twain.
I sacrificed my time to Thee;
Was burdened to reach the lost.
To point to Christ's death on the tree;
Would souls but see the cost!
But Lord, it's Thee, it's Thee O Lord;
Whom I neglected most:
My time with Thee had I ignored;
In self alone to boast.
No wonder why my fire has gone:
I need Thy daily strength.
Lord, let my cry to Thee be drawn;
In mercy cross that length.
Restore my heart to bow to Thee
And teach me how to pray.
Thy Word to speak again to me
And help me ne'er to stray.
Take all delight from me away
And have me start anew.
O Lord, alight Thy perfect way;
Help me Thy will to do.
Then let me go into the world
To seek not just the lost;
But glory to Thy name be hurled
Through souls bought with such cost.
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All poetry and music provided on John Lion Poetry is written to challenge and encourage others. Every work may freely* be used for private and ecclesiastical purposes free of charge when a notice is given via the Request Permission button.
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Acknowledge the Author
Words written by:
Jonathan Moerdijk ~ 12/09/2022
Music made by:
Jonathan Moerdijk ~ 26-06-2025
Picture produced by:
Jonathan Moerdijk ~ 14-07-2025
Description drafted by:
Jonathan Moerdijk ~ 14-07-2025
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