I Am Thine, O Lord

Songbook Hymn Sermons

I Am Thine, O Lord

A Sermon based on the hymn by Fanny J. Crosby

Introduction

“I Am Thine, O Lord” is a hymn of nearness, devotion, and longing for deeper fellowship with Christ. Written by the blind hymn writer Fanny J. Crosby in 1875, this song gives voice to the believer’s heart—a desire not only to belong to the Lord but to draw ever closer to Him. The text was inspired by James 4:8: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

The hymn reflects the intimate relationship that every Christian can enjoy through Christ. Fanny Crosby’s life was filled with spiritual insight despite her physical blindness. Her deep yearning for God is evident in the lines of this hymn, where assurance is coupled with desire—desire to know Him more, to love Him better, and to walk more closely in His light.

From the opening declaration “I am Thine” to the closing plea to live in full surrender, this hymn draws us into the personal reality of consecrated faith. Each stanza is a prayer—a holy invitation to deeper communion. Let us now examine the hymn stanza by stanza and renew our own desire to draw nearer to the cross and the Savior who gave Himself for us.

Stanza 1

“I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.”

This opening verse captures the heart of our relationship with Jesus. We belong to Him, not just by acknowledgment but by action. We’ve heard His voice—through His Word (John 10:27)—and we respond in faith. Yet there is always more to seek. Psalm 73:28 says, “It is good for me to draw near to God.” The “arms of faith” are those that reach upward, longing for closeness with the Lord. The Christian life is not content with distance—it craves communion.

Stanza 2

“Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the power of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.”

True nearness requires consecration—a full setting apart for God’s purpose. Romans 12:1 urges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices. The grace of God empowers our devotion, but we must offer our will in surrender. “Let my will be lost in Thine” echoes Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane: “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). This stanza is the turning point where nearness begins with submission.

Stanza 3

“O the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,
I commune as friend with friend!”

Prayer is the sacred place where nearness becomes personal. In Exodus 33:11, it’s said that “the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” The Christian, through Jesus Christ, enjoys the same access (Hebrews 4:16). This stanza exults in the joy and peace that come from even one moment spent in earnest, heartfelt communion with God. It reminds us not to rush our prayers but to relish the presence of our Lord.

Stanza 4

“There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee.”

This final stanza turns our gaze heavenward. Even as we walk with Christ now, there remains a greater fulfillment in eternity. 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.” The full depths of His love and the full heights of joy await us when this life is over. But until then, we strive to draw as near as we can while here, always growing in grace.

I Am Thine, O Lord Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• Author: Fanny J. Crosby

• Theme: Drawing near to God through surrender and communion

• Key Text: James 4:8 – “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

Stanza 1 – Hearing His Voice, Longing for His Presence

• John 10:27 – My sheep hear My voice

• Psalm 73:28 – It is good to draw near to God

Stanza 2 – Consecration and Surrender

• Romans 12:1 – Present your bodies a living sacrifice

• Luke 22:42 – Not My will but Yours

• Galatians 2:20 – It is no longer I who live

Stanza 3 – Communion in Prayer

• Hebrews 4:16 – Come boldly to the throne of grace

• Exodus 33:11 – God spoke to Moses as a friend

• Philippians 4:6–7 – Prayer and peace

Stanza 4 – The Promise of Eternity

• 1 Corinthians 13:12 – Then face to face

• Revelation 21:4 – No more death, sorrow, or pain

• 1 Thessalonians 4:17 – Ever be with the Lord

Call to Action

Have you drawn near to God? True nearness begins with hearing the voice of Jesus and following Him in obedience. Believe (John 8:24), repent of your sins (Luke 13:3), confess Him as Lord (Romans 10:9–10), and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38). Then live a consecrated life, praying often and surrendering daily. There is no life more joyful than one spent in close fellowship with the Lord.

Scripture Reference List

James 4:8 – Draw near to God
John 10:27 – My sheep hear My voice
Psalm 73:28 – Good to draw near to God
Romans 12:1 – Present your bodies a living sacrifice
Luke 22:42 – Not My will, but Yours
Galatians 2:20 – Christ lives in me
Hebrews 4:16 – Come boldly to the throne of grace
Exodus 33:11 – The Lord spoke to Moses face to face
Philippians 4:6–7 – Prayer brings peace
1 Corinthians 13:12 – Now dimly, then face to face
Revelation 21:4 – No more sorrow in heaven
1 Thessalonians 4:17 – Always with the Lord
John 8:24 – Believe or die in sin
Luke 13:3 – Repent or perish
Romans 10:9–10 – Confess the Lord Jesus
Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized

Song History

Fanny J. Crosby wrote “I Am Thine, O Lord” in 1875 after a conversation with composer William Doane about the nearness of God. Despite being blind since infancy, Crosby’s hymns are full of spiritual sight. The music was also composed by Doane. This hymn quickly became a favorite in revival meetings and continues to inspire worshippers to draw closer to Jesus.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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