301. Our Rest Is in Heaven, Our Rest Is Not Here

10s or 11s.
by H.F. Lyte, 1833
1
Our rest is in heaven, our rest is not here;
 
Then why should we tremble when trials are near?
 
Be hushed, our sad spirits, the worst that can come
 
But shortens the journey, and hastens us home.
“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:9)
“Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction.” (Micah 2:10)
2
It is not for us to be seeking our bliss,
 
And building our hopes in a region like this:
 
We look for a city which hands have not piled — 
 
We pant for a country by sin undefiled.
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)
“For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:10)
“And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.” (Revelation 21:27)
3
The thorn and the thistle around us may grow — 
 
We would not lie down, e’en on roses, below:
 
We ask not our portion, we seek not a rest,
 
Till we find them forever where Jesus is blest.
“Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field.” (Genesis 3:18)
“And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.” (Luke 15:12)
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” (Revelation 14:13)
4
Let trial and danger our progress oppose,
 
They’ll only make heaven more sweet at the close;
 
Come joy or come sorrow, whate’er may befall,
 
A home with our God will make up for it all.
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
5
With a scrip on the back, and a staff in the hand,
 
We march on in haste through an enemy’s land;
 
The road may be rough, but it cannot be long,
 
And we’ll smooth it with hope, and we’ll cheer it with song.
“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12)
“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2)
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:19)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)
Note: Roll over or tap on a stanza number to view some verses suggested by that stanza.
Little Flock Hymnbook Index