A New Story for an Old Hymn

A New Hymn Story for an Old Hymn

The following is the hymn testimony from a fellow reader.

My father had cancer in the late 80s.  He was given medical treatment, but it became evident that he was going to eventually die. It was heartbreaking to see his very real pain and it was hard to go about my normal day. 

But the hymn I'd Rather Have Jesus helped get me through.

I played this hymn on the piano three to four times a day and sang it just to grab the peace of mind that daddy would be with Jesus soon. 

The lyrics had a calming effect on my soul and the words would sing in my head throughout the day. I would rather have Jesus than silver or gold.  I would rather have Jesus than worldly applause.  I will be faithful to His dear cause because that is what my father taught me by his life.

My father was a faithful servant of Christ and his life demonstrated these lyrics every day: He's all that my hungering spirit needs — I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead.

— Ruth P.

I'd Rather Have Jesus

by Rhea Miller, 1922

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands.
I'd rather be led by His nail pierced hand

Chorus:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin's dread sway.
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause;
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame.
I'd rather be true to His holy name.

He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He's sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He's all that my hungering spirit needs.
I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead.