Sometimes, the most beautiful words come from pain or tragedy. The words to the hymn "Safe in the Arms of Jesus" are a great example.
Slowly read the words of this public-domain hymn. What is your favorite stanza? If you want to hear the hymn with the music written by William H. Doane, listen to this GodTube video and sing along.
1. Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast;
There by His love o'ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark! 'tis the voice of angels
Borne in a song to me,
Over the fields of glory,
Over the jasper sea. (Refrain)
Refrain:
Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast;
There by His love o'ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
2. Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe from corroding care,
Safe from the world's temptations;
Sin cannot harm me there.
Free from the blight of sorrow,
Free from my doubts and fears;
Only a few more trials,
Only a few more tears! (Refrain)
3. Jesus, my heart's dear Refuge,
Jesus has died for me;
Firm on the Rock of Ages
Ever my trust shall be.
Here let me wait with patience,
Wait till the night is o'er;
Wait till I see the morning
Break on the golden shore. (Refrain)
Frances "Fanny" Jane Crosby, also known as the Hymn Queen, was born to John and Mercy Crosby on March 24, 1820, in Putnam County, New York. Around six weeks of age, Fanny developed an eye infection. The Crosby's regular doctor was absent. A visiting physician treated the baby's condition incorrectly, causing Fanny to lose her eyesight. Several months later, her father developed pneumonia and died, leaving Mercy a widow and the sole provider for the family.
Mercy found employment as a housekeeper, leaving Fanny in the care of her maternal grandmother, Eunice Paddock Crosby. The hours they spent together were filled with the routine of household chores, games, nature walks, and hours of reading from the Bible. At a young age, Fanny memorized significant Scripture passages from the New Testament, Ruth, Psalms, Proverbs, and the Pentateuch. It is also important to note that her grandmother taught her the importance of prayer. Fannie had a phenomenal memory, and some say she was a genius.
In 1829, Mercy took a new job working for a wealthy Quaker family in Richfield, Connecticut. Afternoons at the Holley home exposed Fanny to literature, culture, and the works of blind poet John Milton. These experiences built into Fanny Crosby's life a foundation of hiding God's Word in her heart and a love for literature and poetry.
She had a full life—including friendships with several presidents of the United States, especially President James Polk. She was the first woman to speak before a combined session of the House and Senate. She wrote and worked with people in business and evangelists. Men like William Bradbury, Phillip Dwight L. Moody, and Ira Sankey. She humbly served mission endeavors in the ghettos and had an incredible bond with the "Railroad Boys."
But the most crucial event of Fanny Crosby's life occurred on November 20, 1850. While attending revival meetings, she realized she did not have a personal relationship with Jesus. At 30, Fanny asked Jesus Christ to take charge of her life.
From this vast reservoir of life's experiences and after the age of 43, Fanny wrote over 8,000 poems or hymns. Throughout the 94 years of Fanny Crosby's life, she was known as being a giving, humble, and gracious woman. Her work continues to impact lives around the world.
"Safe in the Arms of Jesus" has a unique story behind its composition. Around April 30, 1868, musician and composer William Howard Doane unexpectedly visited Crosby's home in Manhattan, New York.
Doane had less than an hour before embarking on a train trip. Would Fannie be willing to listen to the tune and pen words for the piece or send something to him later? He hummed the tune for her. Crosby prayed, and within 15-30 minutes, she had written "Safe in the Arms of Jesus." The words fit perfectly with the melody.
The hymn was published two years later, and 47 years later, the song was played at her funeral.
Some biographers suggest that Crosby could write this poem quickly because it was birthed out a tragedy she never overcame. On March 5, 1858, she married Alexander Van Alstyne. A year later, she gave birth to their child. Researchers dispute the baby's gender (some say it was a girl, others that its gender was never revealed), but all agree that it died shortly after birth. The death left a deep wound. Neither Crosby nor Alexander ever discussed the child with others.
Biography Robert J. Morgan discusses in Then Sings My Soul how this hymn reflects this dark time in Crosby's life:
"During her lifetime, 'Safe in the Arms of Jesus' was among the most widely sung of Fanny's hymns, and she considered it in a class by itself. She claimed it was written for the bereaved, especially for mothers who had lost children."
One of the closest Scriptures that relates to the words of this song comes from Deuteronomy 33:27b:
"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."
The following verses could also be considered.
"How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings." (Psalm 36:7)
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10)
"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliver; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." (Psalm 18:2)
When you look at the words of this hymn, you also see the themes of love, freedom, and trust.
Several famous hymns explore the same themes about God's protection and care as this hymn. For example, consider these hymns:
"He Hideth My Soul" has words by Crosby and music by William J. Kirkpatrick
"All the Way My Savior Leads Me" has words by Crosby and music by Robert Lowry
"Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us" has words by Dorothy A. Thrupp and music by William B. Bradberry
"Jesus is Always There" has words and music by Bertha Mae Lillenas
"Close to Thee" has words by Crosby and music by Silas J. Vail
"I am His, and He is Mine" has words by George W. Robinson and music by James Mountain
"Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go" has words by George Matheson and music by Albert L. Peace.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. Fanny Crosby had over 250 pen names, so the probability that she wrote many hymns written by her is possible.
Fanny J. Crosby: An Autobiography by Fanny Crosby
Fanny Crosby's Memories of Eighty Years by Fanny Crosby
Her Heart Can See: The Life and Hymns of Fanny J. Crosby by Edith L. Blumhofer
Fanny Crosby Still Lives by Darlene Neptune
Fanny J. Crosby: Probably the Most Prolific Hymnwriter of All Time by Milton G. Boothe
The Fanny Crosby Story (2017), directed by Stephen H. Plitt, starring Cassandra Husband, Kathy Shane, and Anthony Kim.
Photo Credit: © iStock/Getty Images Plus/KristiLinton
Laura Lee Leathers is a writer and speaker. Imagine Lois Lane, over sixty-five, and living on a farm. Her metropolis is the area of freelance writing. Her primary love interest is the Word of God. She digs for information, interviews fascinating people, offers a cup of biblical hospitalit-tea, encourages, and helps others with the ‘how-to’s’ of life. To sign up for her newsletter, connect with her at http://lauraleeleathers.com - - - “Helping You Flourish in Faith & Finish Well by His Word”