Saturday, 1 February 2014

Nothing Compares To Thee

By Lucy Wall


One evening I was feeling particularly wearied by the ongoing trials of life. As I retreated to a quiet room to have some time seeking the Lord through His Word and in prayer, I found myself humbly asking Him, "A word of encouragement Lord, please!”

As I began to study the Scriptures I was reminded that as Christians we are just "passing through" this life and our trials and tribulations are not permanent. As I meditated on this thought I began to think about the wonderful day when I'll get to see Jesus face to face and was thinking about how much I long for this. When it comes to my heart's desire, nothing compares to the thought and the knowledge of this moment. In all honesty, I think waiting for it feels a lot like being homesick at times. My soul longs for my Saviour and for the trials and cares of this world to be a thing of the past.

As I sat there thinking about this I began to write "Nothing Compares To Thee." I think the first verse of this poem clearly reveals the weary place I was in at this point. As I continued to write however, I found myself going through a process with the Lord and my focus and attitude shifted to a much more upbeat and positive one. One of strength, purpose and with a drive for life. As I wrote, the trials began to dim and shrink in size as God ministered to my soul, encouraged my heart and got my focus back onto Him and His purpose for my life.


I wrote this poem from beginning to end in one sitting and by the end of it I felt like I had been through some kind of therapy session! I felt rejuvenated, inspired and refreshed and I think this is reflected in the journey and attitude of each verse. I could see the truth of Matthew 11:28-30 where it says,

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Jesus never promised us an easy road in life but He did promise He would never leave us or forsake us, He would be with us right to the end and that when the end comes we will have eternity with Him. The more I thought of the eternal, the more I felt the desire and urgency to share the truth of the Gospel while I still can.

It was the spiritual boost I had needed and Jesus really did answer my initial prayer that evening. He encouraged me, fed me, lifted me up and got me refocused and back on track in my perspectives. Time spent with Jesus is always fulfilling and this along with countless other reasons is why for me, nothing compares to Him!

Nothing compares to Thee O' Lord, nothing compares to Thee.
I yearn in my heart for Your blessed embrace
For nothing compares to Thee.
I long for these trials and troubles to end,
To come face to face with my Saviour and Friend.
As pain melts away my spirit will mend
For nothing compares to Thee.

I hunger to be next to Thee O' Lord, I hunger to be next to Thee.
I know in Your presence all sorrow is gone
So I hunger to be next to Thee.
The woes of this burdensome, troublesome life
Can weary my soul and cut like a knife
But knowing they’re temporal frees me from strife
As I hunger to be next to Thee.

I pray I can be more like Thee O' Lord, I pray I can be more like Thee.
The more I consider the lost of this world
The more I pray make me like Thee!
I see every day as the enemy strives,
Encouraging people to lead godless lives.
To think of Your Gospel my spirit revives!
I'm inspired to be more like Thee.

I long for others to know Thee O' Lord, I long for others to know Thee.
Awake to the truth that eternity calls,
Yes I long for others to know Thee!
Whatever my number of days that remain
To live will mean Christ, to die will be gain.
With every last breath I will worship Your name!
For I long that others should know Thee.

I always find comfort in Thee O' Lord, I always find comfort in Thee.
A time will come when all labour will cease
And I always find comfort in Thee.
For though I am weary I lift up my face,
Direct all my praise to Thine Heavenly place,
Find joy everlasting from Thy Throne of grace.
I always find comfort in Thee.

Nothing compares to Thee O' Lord, nothing compares to Thee.
You strengthen my spirit and bolster my heart,
No nothing compares to Thee.
You know all my fears and hear every prayer,
You love me completely and show me You care.
You'll be with me here until I can be there,
O' Lord nothing compares to Thee.


2 Corinthians 4:8-10
"We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed- always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body."

Psalm 86:6-13
"Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; And attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me. Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works. All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, And shall glorify Your name. For You are great, And do wondrous things; You alone are God. Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore. For great is Your mercy toward me, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol."

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