Thou Breath From Still Eternity – Hymn Lyric
Expanding upon the ideas presented in the hymn “Thou Breath from Still Eternity,” we are reminded of the power and grace of the divine presence in our lives. The hymn beautifully captures the longing for spiritual nourishment and the transformative impact it can have on our souls. It emphasizes the importance of surrendering our own desires and following God’s will, while also acknowledging the challenges and temptations we may face. Through prayer, seeking guidance, and clinging to the Holy Spirit, we can find the nourishment and renewal our souls long for.
Table of Contents
Thou Breath From Still Eternity
Thou Breath from still eternity,
Breathe o’er my spirit’s barren land-
The pine-tree and the myrtle-tree
Shall spring amidst the desert sand;
And where Thy living water flows
The waste shall blossom as the rose.
May I in will and deed and word
Obey Thee as a little child;
And keep me in Thy love, my Lord,
For ever holy, undefiled;
Within me teach, and strive, and pray,
Lest I should choose my own wild way.
O Spirit, Stream that by the Son
Is opened to us crystal pure,
Forth flowing from the heavenly Throne
To waiting hearts and spirits poor,
Athirst and weary do I sink
Beside Thy waters, there to drink.
My spirit turns to Thee and clings,
All else forsaking, unto Thee;
Forgetting all created things,
Remembering only “God in me.”
O living Stream; O gracious rain,
None wait for Thee, and wait in vain.
Meaning of Thou Breath From Still Eternity – Hymn Lyric
Expanding upon the ideas presented in the hymn “Thou Breath from Still Eternity,” we are reminded of the power and grace of the divine presence in our lives. The hymn beautifully captures the longing for spiritual nourishment and the transformative impact it can have on our souls.
In the first verse, the imagery of a barren land being revived by the divine breath is presented. It speaks to the idea that even in our darkest moments, when we feel lost or depleted, the presence of God can bring new life and vibrancy to our spirits. Just as the pine-tree and myrtle-tree spring forth amidst the desert sand, our souls can blossom when we welcome the breath of eternity into our lives.
The hymn then goes on to express the desire to obey God’s will, to be like a little child who trusts and follows their loving parent. This notion highlights the importance of surrendering our own self-will and desires, recognizing that God’s guidance is far wiser and more fulfilling than any path we may choose on our own. By submitting ourselves to God’s love and seeking to live in accordance with His teachings, we can find true holiness and purity.
The idea of being taught, striving, and praying within ourselves is highlighted as a means to avoid straying from God’s path. The hymn acknowledges the presence of temptation and the potential to choose our own “wild way,” but it emphasizes the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us and keep us on the right track. It is a reminder that we all have moments of weakness or uncertainty, but through the power of prayer and the guidance of the Spirit, we can overcome these challenges and remain steadfast in our faith.
The third verse elaborates on the role of the Holy Spirit as a stream opened by the Son, flowing from the heavenly throne to nourish the hearts and spirits of those who are thirsty and weary. This imagery depicts the Holy Spirit as a source of refreshment and renewal, offering solace to those who are spiritually depleted or burdened. It is likened to a stream of crystal pure water that quenches our thirst and provides sustenance to our souls.
The hymn expresses a deep longing for the Spirit’s presence, indicating that all other desires and distractions fade away when compared to the importance of having “God in me.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith, which teaches that our ultimate fulfillment can only be found in our relationship with God. By turning to the Holy Spirit and clinging to Him, we can find fulfillment and purpose in our lives, regardless of external circumstances.
The powerful refrain of the hymn acknowledges the waiting hearts and spirits who thirst for the living water of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that we are not alone in this longing; others, too, seek the divine presence to bring meaning and fulfillment to their lives. By acknowledging our shared need and yearning for God’s presence, we can find strength and solidarity in our spiritual journey.
In conclusion, the hymn “Thou Breath from Still Eternity” invites us to recognize and embrace the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It emphasizes the importance of surrendering our own desires and following God’s will, while also acknowledging the challenges and temptations we may face along the way. Through prayer, seeking guidance, and clinging to the Holy Spirit, we can find the nourishment and renewal our souls long for. May we all remain open to receiving the divine breath from eternity and allow it to transform our lives, bringing forth beauty and growth in even the most barren places.
I hope this hymn inspired image brings you hope and peace. Share it with someone who needs it today!
