Has life been tough for you? Things not going the way you wanted them to go? Had some disappointments? Ever been discouraged? Felt like saying “Why?” a lot?
If you can answer “yes” to any of these, well, I guess you are human!
Some people really do have it tougher than others. Take Lydia Baxter for example. She was a bedridden invalid for most of her adult life. Yet, her home was a meeting place for preachers, evangelists, and Christian workers who came to seek her advice and counsel. In spite of lacking physical strength and having to spend much time in bed, she was a radiant person and a source of inspiration and encouragement to all who knew her. (William J. Reynolds, “Songs of Glory.” Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1990, 268.)
Her conversations with friends frequently involved studying Scripture. One conversation centered around the name of Jesus and someone mentioned Colossians 3:17: “Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Such a discussion gave her the inspiration for the hymn, “Take The Name of Jesus With You,” which she wrote in 1870 at the age of sixty-one.
When she was asked why she could remain so cheerful, Lydia Baxter responded, “I have a very special armor. I have the name of Jesus. When the tempter tries to make me blue or despondent, I mention the name of Jesus, and he can’t get through to me anymore. When I feel badly and wonder if I will ever enjoy a good night’s sleep again, I take the name of Jesus and ask Him to give me a soothing balm of His presence. He does, and soon I drop off to sleep.” (William J. and Ardythe Petersen. “The Complete Book of Hymns.” Carol Stream: Tyndale House, 2006, 78.)
Verse 1 of “Take The Name of Jesus With You” deals with Jesus’ name bringing joy and comfort.
Verse 2 stated that Jesus’ name is a protecting shield from danger and gives the Christian strength in the middle of temptation.
In verse 3 we see how His loving arms receive us. These are days in which so many people are alienated from family, friends, homelands, etc. There is a desperate desire to have close relationships. We can have one with Jesus. He will draw you to Himself if you let Him.
Verse 4 relates that at the name of Jesus, we will bow before Him. Philippians 2:9-10 express that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord. We will do that “when our journey is complete,” but let us do that now.
Study the text of this hymn. Meditate on the various themes in the song: The Name of Jesus, hope, joy, comfort.
Also, study some of the Scripture verses related to the text: Proverbs 18:10; Philippians 2:9-10; Colossians 3:17
My wife and I had a “spiritual mother” (spiritual mentor) who was in a similar situation as Lydia Baxter. She was an invalid who needed assistance getting from one place to another, yet countless hundreds of people over the years sought her out for prayer and spiritual encouragement. She spent many days in hospitals. Nurses, doctors and other hospital employees filled her room, just to be with her, as the love and beauty of Jesus radiated from her life. As a result, many lives were changed as they came to know the Jesus Who resided in our wonderful friend.
So, if you are facing discouragement or you have been “put on the shelf,” read the text of this hymn and think of the lady who wrote them. You, too, can be filled with the joy of Jesus. Your life can be useful and productive as you allow Jesus to work through you. Others will see that and be drawn to Him.
Take the Name of Jesus With You
Text: Lydia Baxter (1809-1874
Music: William Howard Doane (1832-1915)
1. Take the Name of Jesus with you,
Child of sorrow and of woe,
It will joy and comfort give you;
Take it then, where’er you go.
Refrain
Precious Name, O how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of Heav’n.
Precious Name, O how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of Heav’n.
2. Take the Name of Jesus ever,
As a shield from every snare;
If temptations round you gather,
Breathe that holy Name in prayer.
3. O the precious Name of Jesus!
How it thrills our souls with joy,
When His loving arms receive us,
And His songs our tongues employ!
4. At the Name of Jesus bowing,
Falling prostrate at His feet,
King of kings in Heav’n we’ll crown Him,
When our journey is complete.
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