The Song That Jesus Taught Me

Jesus loves me, this I know,

For the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong

They are weak, but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Jesus loves the little children,

All the children of the world.

Red and yellow, black and white,

All are precious in His sight.

Jesus loves the little children of the world.

These are the first words that come to mind when I think about learning to know God and to love Him. They are songs that I’ve known since before I can remember learning them—learned in Sabbath School classes, or taught to me by my mom. I can’t think about celebrating Sabbath as a child without simultaneously hearing music! We sang in our house, on the drive to church, in class, and during the church service. These words, “Jesus Love Me” and “Jesus Loves the Little Children” are deeply imprinted on my psyche. These simple songs were trying to instruct my soul during times I was anxious as a child, questioning (and rebelling) as a teen, and doubting as an adult. When my not good enough feelings were chipping away at my confidence, those simple phrases reached out again and again to remind me of the truth—even when I struggled to accept it.

When I was a teen, two hymns became a source of encouragement and peace to my soul.

Nearer still nearer, close to Thy heart,

Draw me, my Savior—so precious Thou art.

Fold me, oh fold me, close to thy breast.

Shelter me safe in that haven of rest.

When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll,

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

As I sang these hymns in church and at concerts, the words were burned into my memory—their message promising that Jesus knew my hurt and read my anxious thoughts. My never-still-Type-A soul needed to know the recipe for true peace, and these songs taught me the importance of drawing nearer and nearer to Jesus and allowing Him to speak peace into my heart. To this day, these words are reminders that I know by heart, that I can call on when my soul is troubled.

But the dearest words of all are found in my favorite hymn, “In the Garden”.

I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses,

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,

The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me and He talks with me

And He tells me I am His own.

And the joy we share, as we tarry there,

None other has ever known!

I can see that garden.

I can hear the birds singing in the morning and smell the scent of the flowers as the sun hits them.

I can feel the dew on my bare feet.

And I can hear Jesus calling my name.

His voice is so filled with love and tenderness. He seeks me out, eager to connect with me and to hear my thoughts and answer my questions.

He knows me.

Sandi with an “i”.

His creation. His daughter. His choice.

And He will never “un-choose” me. He will never stop loving me.

He speaks and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing.

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

Jesus tells me to stop trying to be good enough, because He wants much more for me than that! His daughter is so much better than just good enough!

I am loved.             Jesus loves me, this I know.

I am unique.            I am precious in His sight.

I am sheltered.       Jesus is my haven of rest.

I am Peaceful.        Whatever the circumstances, Jesus is my peace.

I am His own.

This is my song. All the other songs I learned throughout my life were just music lessons leading to the beautiful ultimate chorus that Jesus was trying to teach me. Layer upon layer, forming a harmony in my soul, those songs built upon each other, finally reaching the crescendo of truth that is now evident.

I will proudly wear my crown and sing His song!

I am a daughter of the Most High King!