I was singing (by myself) recently an old hymn titled, “I Am Resolved,” when I noticed what I had not noticed before. It seems that the first two verses of the song make reference to Philippians: 4:8. I always liked this song. The words were written in 1896 by Palmer Hartsough, a Baptist minister in Michigan. Hartsough is credited with writing over 250 texts, but only one made its way into the 1956 and 1975 edition of The Baptist Hymnal.
Sing the 1st and 2nd verses with me!
I am resolved no longer to linger, Charmed by the world's delight; Things that are higher, things that are nobler, These have allured my sight. I am resolved to go to the Savior, Leaving my sin and strife; He is the true one. He is the just one,. He has the words of life.
Paul implores us to think about these things: whatever things are true . . . noble . . . just . . . pure . . . lovely . . . of good report . . . and any virtue . . . and anything praiseworthy. The old hymn leads us to resolve to turn our attention to things that are higher and nobler, and it reminds us that our focus on things that are true and just always has Jesus in view.
To be resolved is to be determined or to have decided, just as Jesus “When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51) We have decided to go to the Savior. We have also decided that we will no longer be “charmed by the world’s delight,” but instead will meditate on higher things. The chorus to the song we are looking at speaks of an urgency to do what we have said we are resolved to do.
I will hasten to Him, Hasten so glad and free, Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to thee.
Let us also with haste turn our thoughts and meditations to Jesus and to things that are higher and nobler.