A succession of singles and albums established Dr. C.J. Johnson as one of the country’s foremost hymnologists. His recordings were at once anachronistic and refreshing at a time when gospel music focused squarely on hard-singing leads and heavy instrumental backing. Dr. Johnson’s commitment to the old time sound – straight congregational singing with occasional slaps of the tambourine – earned him an invitation to sing at the White House on three separate occasions.
I Heard the Voice If Jesus Say
C.J. Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Come unto me and rest
lay down, O weary one, lay down
your head upon my breast."
I came to Jesus as I was,
weary and worn and sad
I found in him a resting place,
and he has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Behold, I freely give
the living water thirsty one,
stoop down and drink, and live."
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"I am this dark world's Light
look unto me, your morn shall rise,
and all your days be bright."
I looked to Jesus and I found
in him my Star, my Sun
and in that light of life I'll walk,
'til trav'ling days are done.
C.J. Johnson's song "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say" is a hymn about the rest and peace found in Jesus. The first verse speaks to anyone who is weary and heavy-laden, inviting them to come to Jesus for rest. The second verse offers the image of living water, recalling the story of Jesus offering the Samaritan woman at the well living water. The third verse reminds the listener that Jesus is the light of the world, and that anyone who looks to Him will have their days brightened.
The hymn is a call to Christians to trust in Jesus and to find refuge in Him. It speaks directly to those who are burdened by the struggles of life and encourages them to find comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is there to help them. The hymn is a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest moments of our lives, we are not alone.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
Jesus spoke to me, calling me to him.
Come unto me and rest
He invites me to come to him and find rest.
lay down, O weary one, lay down
He wants me to rest my tired body.
your head upon my breast.
He wants me to find comfort and rest in him.
I came to Jesus as I was,
I approached Jesus with all my problems and issues.
weary and worn and sad
I was tired, emotionally drained, and unhappy.
I found in him a resting place,
He offered me a place to find peace and rest.
and he has made me glad.
I found joy in his comfort and presence.
Behold, I freely give
Jesus offers his gifts and blessings without hesitation.
the living water thirsty one,
He offers refreshing and life-giving water to those who are thirsty.
stoop down and drink, and live.
He instructs me to humble myself and take a drink of his gift.
I came to Jesus, and I drank
I accepted his offer and partook of the water he offers.
of that life-giving stream
I received the gift of renewed life from him.
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
He satisfied my deepest desires and rejuvenated my spirit.
and now I live in him.
I found new life and purpose in him.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
Jesus spoke to me once again.
I am this dark world's Light
He proclaims himself as the light that shines in this dark world.
look unto me, your morn shall rise,
He asks me to turn my gaze upon him, and promises a brighter future.
and all your days be bright.
He promises that all my days will be filled with light and goodness.
I looked to Jesus and I found
I turned to him and discovered his truth.
in him my Star, my Sun
He became my ultimate guide and light.
and in that light of life I'll walk,
I will walk in his light for as long as I live.
'til trav'ling days are done.
Even until the end of my life's journey, I will continue to walk with Jesus.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TRAD, Derric Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind