I Shall Not Be Moved

In 1950, John Benson, Jr. wrote a song titled "I Shall Not Be Moved." Growing up, going to church on Sundays was not questioned, it was simply done because you wanted to go, not because you had to. Occasionally instead of going to my home church (Circle Hill, Dellwood, then Howard Grove) I would attend services with a friend. One of my best friend Myra's favorite hymns was this John Benson song. For some reason today, the words just popped into my mind when I sat down to write. Because of that, I am drawn to analyze the song and what it means to me. (written 19 Feb 2008)

Throughout the song, Benson repeats the words I shall not be moved. Why is that? Read and think about what he is saying in verse one and in the chorus:

Jesus is my Savior, I shall not be moved;
In His love and favor, I shall not be moved,
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
Lord, I shall not be moved.

Chorus
I shall not be, I shall not be moved;
I shall not be, I shall not be moved;
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
Lord, I shall not be moved.

Every verse ends with the same two lines. Why would a tree planted by the waters not be moved? I'm not a scientist, but I would think it boils down to nourishment! The water feeds the roots and keeps them hydrated. Does not the love of God and His mercy hydrate our soul? Why, then, would we move from the endless source of nourishment and hydration? When we move from God, it is our choice, not His.

Nowhere in the song does it say that we will always stand upright. There will be times when we stumble, even times when we fall. If we remain close to the life source that is God's love, however, we will have the strength we need to stand straight once more. Verses three and four remind us that He will never fail our trust. That our trust can and will keep us strong and steadfast in Him. If we nourish ourselves on His word, He will lead us down the path that is ours. What an amazing truth!

God, thank you for being my source of life and nourishment for my soul. Help me to be what you would have me be, help me to pass your message through these words. Thank you for loving me and for being my savior. May I stand fast in your strength, and may I never be moved.

"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved." ~Psalm 62:6 KJV