Love That Will Not Let Me Go

At a young age, George Matheson was told he was losing what little poor eyesight he had.  He was only fifteen then.  But despite his situation, Matheson continued straightaway with his plans to enroll in the University of Glasgow.  He later graduated at the age of nineteen.  He then pursued graduate studies in theology for Christian ministry.  But it was during this time that he did become blind.  His loving sisters supported him and joined ranks beside him as he continued with his graduate studies.  They even learned Greek and Hebrew to assist him in his theological education.  He faithfully pressed on.

But he was devestated when his fiancée broke off their engagement and returned his ring because she refused to be married to a blind man.  Somehow, Matheson still carried the pain of rejection.  He never married.  

Years passed and he became a well-loved pastor in Scotland.  When his sister came to him one day and announced her engagement, he rejoiced with her, but his mind went back to his own heartache.  He comforted himself by thinking of God and His love.  He contemplated once again that God's love is never limited, never conditional, never withdrawn, and never uncertain.  Out of this experience he wrote the hymn, O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go.

O love that wilt not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in thee;

I give thee back the life I owe,

That in thine ocean depths it flow

May richer, fuller be.