I Am Thine, O Lord: Fanny Crosby’s Hymn of Consecration and Communion
In her hymn “I Am Thine, O Lord,” Fanny Crosby expresses the deep longing of a heart devoted to God and the joy found in intimate communion with Him. Drawing from her personal experience of consecration and her close relationship with the Lord, Crosby pens lyrics that speak of the believer’s desire to be drawn nearer to the Savior and to be fully surrendered to His will.
The opening verse establishes the foundation of the hymn, with Crosby declaring her identity as belonging to the Lord. She acknowledges that she has heard God’s voice speaking to her of His love, but she yearns for an even closer connection. Crosby expresses her desire to rise in the arms of faith, trusting God more deeply and experiencing a greater nearness to Him.
The chorus is a fervent prayer, pleading with the Lord to draw the believer nearer to the cross where Christ sacrificed His life. Crosby recognizes that it is at the foot of the cross, at the Savior’s precious bleeding side, where true intimacy with God is found. The repetition of the phrase “Draw me nearer” emphasizes the intensity of this desire and the believer’s constant need for divine grace.
In the second verse, Crosby offers a prayer of consecration, asking God to set her apart for His service by the power of divine grace. She expresses her longing for her soul to look up with unwavering hope and for her will to be completely surrendered to God’s will. This verse highlights the importance of full dedication to the Lord and the transformative power of His grace in the life of the believer.
The third verse speaks of the pure delight found in spending time in God’s presence. Crosby describes the joy of kneeling in prayer and communing with God as a friend converses with a friend. This verse emphasizes the intimacy and closeness that is possible in the relationship between the believer and the Lord, a bond that surpasses mere religious duty and becomes a cherished fellowship.
The final verse acknowledges that there are depths of God’s love and heights of joy that cannot be fully experienced in this earthly life. Crosby looks forward to the day when she will cross the “narrow sea” and rest in peace with her Savior, finally knowing the fullness of His love and joy in eternity.
Throughout her life, Fanny Crosby exemplified the consecration and communion with God that she describes in “I Am Thine, O Lord.” Despite the challenges she faced, including her blindness, Crosby maintained an intimate relationship with her Savior and found great joy in His presence. This hymn serves as an invitation for believers to seek a deeper connection with God, to surrender their lives to His service, and to delight in the closeness of His friendship. “I Am Thine, O Lord” encourages us to long for a nearer walk with God, trusting that He will draw us closer to Himself as we seek Him with all our hearts.
