Matthew Smith is an East … Read Full Bio ↴from his site: http://www.matthewsmith.us/
Matthew Smith is an East Nashville singer-songwriter who writes brand new music to centuries-old hymn texts. He is a founding member of the Indelible Grace community, whose work has drawn acclaim across denominational lines and is used in churches around the world. Born out of a college ministry, the reimagined hymns have found wide acceptance both among college students and the church at large, joining people who desire to honor tradition with those who want a modern musical approach. His latest album, All I Owe , focuses on how Jesus sets people free from the burden of both God's law and self-imposed laws, by crediting his perfect life and death to those who trust in him.
Be Thou My Vision
Matthew Smith Lyrics
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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, and Thou my true Word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art
High King of Heaven, my victory won
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all
The hymn "Be Thou My Vision" is a prayer that seeks to place God at the center of the singer's life, to the exclusion of all else. The lyrics begin with the words "Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart," which acknowledges God's divine rule over the singer's life. The singer renounces all other relationships, affirming that nothing else can matter except God, and that he is the singer's "best Thought, by day or by night." This phrase expresses a desire for constant awareness of God's presence, in every moment of the singer's life.
The second verse seeks God's wisdom and guidance, asking God to be the singer's constant companion. The singer refers to God as his father and himself as God's son, poetically reminding us of our relationship with God as a father-child relationship. The third verse seeks God's protection, referring to God as a Shield and Sword, as well as a High Tower and Shelter. The singer asks God to guide him toward eternal life, the ultimate victory that comes with being in God's presence.
Through this hymn, the singer emphasizes the importance of putting God first in every aspect of their life, both spiritual and physical. The lyrics stress the need for a constant connection to God, and the belief that through His power and protection, the singer can achieve victory over any challenge that comes their way.
Line by Line Meaning
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart
Lord, please be the one I see, the one I look to, the one I follow.
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Nothing else in this world should matter to me except for You, God.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night
God, You are always on my mind no matter the time of day or night.
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light
Whether I'm awake or sleeping, Your presence is always with me and guides me.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word
God, be my wisdom and my guide, the truth that I follow.
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
God, always be with me and guide me, and I will stay with You.
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son
God, You are my heavenly Father, and I am Your faithful son.
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one
God, live in me and be with me always, so we can be one together.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight
God, be my protector and defender, and give me the strength to fight against evil.
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight
God, be my honor and my joy, the one who brings me happiness.
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower
God, be my refuge and my safe place, the one who protects me.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power
God, lift me up towards heaven, my strength and my hope.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise
I don't care about wealth or what people say about me, God. You are the only thing that matters.
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always
God, You are my inheritance, now and forever.
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
God, You are the only one that matters, the first and most important thing in my heart.
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art
God, You are the ruler of heaven, and You are my greatest treasure.
High King of Heaven, my victory won
God, You are the one who has conquered everything and won the battle.
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Please let me experience the joy of heaven, God, and let Your light shine upon me.
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
God, You are the center of my being, no matter what happens in life.
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all
God, always be the one I see and follow, the ruler of everything.
Contributed by Alex S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.