宣信（A. B. Simpson）. Explore “Himself”: song information and official sources.
The glory of God · Christ: glory made visible
A. B. Simpson founded the Christian and Missionary Alliance. This poem has a very simple structure: a series of contrasts. Once the desire was for blessing; now it is for the Lord. Once it was for gifts; now it is for the giver. Once I held on to him; now he sustains me. Every stanza makes the same movement: laying aside the gift to seek the person who gives it. Chinese churches especially need this lesson. Asking God for blessing is not wrong, but if faith remains at the level of blessings, it cannot stand when prayers are unanswered. The hymn is often sung at retreats and occasions of spiritual renewal. It also fits after teaching on Philippians 3, where Paul considers knowing Christ Jesus his Lord surpassingly valuable and counts everything else as loss.
Retreats, spiritual renewal and dedication services; teaching on Philippians 3 or knowing Christ.