When I Survey by Tim Hughes is a powerful worship song that invites us to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and respond with gratitude and surrender. This song, with its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody, has touched the hearts of many believers and continues to be sung in churches around the world.
The inspiration behind this song comes from the hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" written by Isaac Watts in the 18th century. Tim Hughes took the timeless message of this hymn and gave it a modern twist, making it more accessible to a contemporary audience. He added a chorus that declares our love and thanks to Jesus for His sacrifice on the cross.
The song begins with the lines "When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of glory died." These words immediately draw our attention to the cross, reminding us of the incredible love and sacrifice of Jesus. It prompts us to reflect on our own lives and recognize that our "richest gain" is nothing compared to what Jesus has done for us. It challenges us to pour contempt on our pride and worldly achievements, realizing that they pale in comparison to the significance of the cross.
The second verse of the song paints a vivid picture of Jesus' suffering on the cross, as it mentions His head, hands, and feet. It reminds us of the physical pain He endured and the love and sorrow that flowed from Him. This verse draws upon Isaiah 53:5, which says, "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed." It emphasizes the depth of Jesus' love for us and the incredible price He paid for our redemption.
The chorus of the song adds a personal touch to the lyrics, as it declares our own love and gratitude to Jesus for what He has done. It echoes the sentiment of Romans 5:8, which says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The chorus emphasizes that Jesus' love is amazing and divine, and in response, it demands our soul, life, and all that we are. It challenges us to surrender ourselves completely to Him, recognizing that He is worthy of our worship and devotion.
"When I Survey" is a song that reminds us of the central message of the gospel – the incredible love and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It encourages us to reflect on the magnitude of His love and respond with gratitude, surrender, and worship. This song has become a favorite among believers because it captures the essence of our faith and expresses it in a heartfelt and powerful way.
As we sing this song, let us remember the significance of the cross and the love that Jesus demonstrated for us. Let us be moved to pour out our love and thanks to Him, offering our lives as a living sacrifice in response to His amazing love and grace. May this song continue to inspire and lead us into a deeper intimacy with Jesus, as we survey the wondrous cross and respond with love and adoration.
