1 THOU hidden God, for whom I groan,
Till thou thyself declare,
God inaccessible, unknown,
Regard a sinner’s prayer!
A sinner weltering in his blood,
Unpurged and unforgiven;
Far distant from the living God
As far as hell from heaven.
2 An unregenerate child of man,
To thee for faith I call;
Pity thy fallen creature’s pain,
And raise me from my fall.
The darkness which through thee I feel
Thou only canst remove;
Thy own eternal power reveal,
Thy Deity of love.
3 Thou hast in unbelief shut up,
That grace may let me go;
In hope believing against hope,
I wait the truth to know:
Thou wilt in me reveal thy name,
Thou wilt thy light afford;
Bound and oppressed, yet thine I am,
The prisoner of the Lord.
4 l would not to thy foe submit,
I hate the tyrant’s chain;
Send forth the prisoner from the pit,
Nor let me cry in vain!
Show me the blood that bought my peace,
The covenant blood apply,
And all my griefs at once shall cease,
And all my sins shall die.
5 Now, Lord, if thou art power descend,
The mountain sin remove;
My unbelief and troubles end,
If thou art truth and love:
Speak, Jesu, speak into my heart
What thou for me hast done;
One grain of living faith impart,
And God is all my own!
Thou Hidden God, For Whom I Groan Video
Thou Hidden God, For Whom I Groan Song Meaning
Title: Thou Hidden God, For Whom I Groan – A Profound Cry for Divine Revelation
Introduction:
“Thou Hidden God, For Whom I Groan” is a powerful hymn written by Charles Wesley, one of the most prolific hymnists in Christian history. This hymn reflects the deep longing and desperation of a sinner for God’s presence and forgiveness.
1. Understanding the Meaning:
The opening line, “Thou hidden God, for whom I groan, till thou thyself declare,” encapsulates the essence of the hymn. It expresses the heartfelt cry of a sinner who is yearning for a personal encounter with God. The phrase “hidden God” acknowledges the mystery and transcendence of the divine nature, emphasizing the sinner’s desperation to experience God’s presence and forgiveness.
The hymn portrays the sinner as someone trapped in a state of sin, feeling distant from God and in need of redemption. It highlights the unregenerate nature of humanity and the longing for spiritual transformation. The cry for God’s declaration signifies a plea for divine intervention and revelation, recognizing that only through God’s grace and power can the sinner be redeemed and restored.
2. Inspiration and Background:
Charles Wesley, along with his brother John Wesley, played a significant role in the Methodist movement during the 18th century. They sought to revive the Church of England and bring about personal spiritual transformation through faith in Christ. Charles Wesley composed over 6,000 hymns, many of which still resonate with Christians today.
While the specific inspiration behind “Thou Hidden God, For Whom I Groan” is not widely documented, it is likely that Charles Wesley drew upon his own experiences of spiritual struggle and the teachings of the Bible. His hymns often reflected his deep personal faith and desire to communicate profound theological truths in a poetic and accessible manner.
3. Biblical References:
The lyrics of “Thou Hidden God, For Whom I Groan” are rooted in biblical themes and passages. Here are some relevant verses that align with the message of the hymn:
a. Romans 7:24-25 (ESV):
“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
This passage echoes the hymn’s depiction of the sinner’s desperate state and the recognition that only God, through Jesus Christ, can bring deliverance and salvation.
b. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV):
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
These verses emphasize the hymn’s central theme of salvation by God’s grace alone, received through faith. The sinner acknowledges their inability to save themselves and relies entirely on God’s redemptive work.
c. Psalm 51:10 (NIV):
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
This verse connects with the hymn’s plea for a transformation of heart and spirit. The sinner longs for God to cleanse and renew them, acknowledging their need for a spiritual rebirth.
4. Expanding on the Key Themes:
a. The Desperation of the Sinner:
The hymn vividly portrays the sinner’s desperate state, emphasizing their separation from God and the burden of sin. The use of words like “unpurged,” “far distant,” and “weltering in his blood” creates a sense of deep spiritual anguish. This theme resonates with individuals who recognize their need for God’s forgiveness and redemption.
b. The Mystery of God’s Nature:
The hymn acknowledges the hidden and inaccessible nature of God. It reflects the theological concept that God’s ways and thoughts are beyond human comprehension. This recognition of the divine mystery deepens the longing for a personal encounter with God and highlights the dependence on God’s self-revelation.
c. The Power of Grace and Faith:
“Thou Hidden God, For Whom I Groan” underscores the central Christian belief in salvation through God’s grace alone, received by faith. The hymn expresses the sinner’s recognition that they cannot save themselves and their reliance on God’s redemptive work. It emphasizes the transformative power of faith and the need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
5. Conclusion:
“Thou Hidden God, For Whom I Groan” is a profound hymn that captures the deep longing of a sinner for God’s presence and forgiveness. It conveys the desperation of the human condition, the mystery of God’s nature, and the transformative power of God’s grace. The song reminds us of our need for a personal encounter with the living God and the hope we have in Christ’s redemptive work.
This hymn continues to resonate with Christians today, reminding us of the importance of seeking God’s revelation in our lives and relying on His grace for our salvation. Through its heartfelt lyrics, it invites us to reflect on our own spiritual journey and to embrace the reality of God’s unfailing love and mercy.
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