Introduction
While country music legend Alan Jackson’s soulful rendition brought “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” to a wider audience in 2005, the song’s roots lie deep within the rich tradition of Christian hymns. The lyrics themselves were penned by Helen Howarth Lemmel, a woman who, despite being blind, found solace and inspiration in her faith.
Lemmel’s hymn draws upon a devotional tract titled “Focused,” written by missionary Isabella Lilias Trotter. The powerful message resonated with Lemmel, and in the late 19th century, she crafted the now-beloved verses. The opening lines, “O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?” immediately establish the hymn’s core theme: finding comfort and strength in unwavering faith.
The chorus, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace,” offers a simple yet profound solution to life’s hardships. By focusing on Jesus’ love and sacrifice, the hymn suggests, worldly troubles diminish in significance.
“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” transcends denominations, finding its place in countless hymnals across various Christian traditions. Alan Jackson’s heartfelt performance in 2005 reintroduced the hymn to a new generation, showcasing its timeless message of hope and solace. As Jackson himself has said, the song “speaks volumes” – a testament to the enduring power of Lemmel’s words and the enduring comfort found in faith.