Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (Proverbs 29:18)
This eighth-century (anonymous) Irish hymn text expresses, in the quaint Celtic style, the ageless need of man to have a heavenly vision and to experience God’s care and personal presence throughout this earthly pilgrimage. The author’s high regard for God is evident in the various titles ascribed Him: Vision, Lord, Best Thought, Wisdom, Word, Great Father, High King, Inheritance, Treasure, Sun, Ruler, and Heart.
The tune for this hymn, “Slane,” is a traditional Irish air from Patrick W. Joyce’s collection, Old Irish Folk Music and Songs, published in 1909. Its first association with this sacred hymn text was in the Irish Church Hymnal of 1919. Although the melody has been harmonized by various musicians, it is generally recommended that this tune is most effective when sung in unison.
Another anonymous writer has penned these significant thoughts about the importance of having vision for one’s life: “A vision without a task is a dream; A task without a vision is drudgery; A vision with a task is the hope of the world.” Truly, our visionary attitude throughout life is often the difference between success and mediocrity. One is reminded of the classic story of the two shoe-salesmen who were sent to a primitive island to determine business potential. The first salesman wired back, “Coming home immediately. Nobody here wears shoes.” The second man responded, “Glorious opportunity! Nobody here wears shoes.”
May we as believers be characterized as people of vision—“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2).
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, be Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee, and Thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father, I ever Thine;
Thou in me dwelling, Thy will ever mine.
Be Thou my Shield and my Sword in the fight.
Be Thou my Comforter, Thou my Delight,
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tow’r.
Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise;
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always.
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
Sov’reign of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, when vict’ry is won
May I reach heaven’s joys, bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.