Sarah Street, Cardiff

As I started to think about what verses I would choose to take with me to a desert island, two things struck me. The first is how privileged we are to have God’s word, the bible, so readily available to us. We have copies in our homes and most of us can access it any time on our phones. The second thing that hit me was how often I neglect reading God’s word; how much time I spend surfing the net, looking at Facebook or organising my kids, my house etc. If I believe the bible is God’s word and that He speaks to me through it, surely I should be spending as much time as possible reading it. We need to make it a priority over everything else.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

This verse is such a great reminder of what God has done for us. We were lost in the darkness of our sins and he has brought us into his kingdom, through his son, Jesus Christ. It is only because of his sacrifice on the cross that we can know this amazing redemption and true forgiveness.

A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice. Isaiah 42:3

The Christian life is not an easy one and there are often times when I feel far from God. I know at times of sorrow or trial I can doubt God’s promises. Sometimes, when you look too much at the world around and take your eyes off Jesus, your faith falters. Yet, this verse always encourages me that God does not give up on me. He will not quench the flame. Even if my faith feels weak and feeble, God wants it to continue, and not just to continue, but to burn brightly. Our standing before God does not depend on how we feel. Even those times when I have felt circumstances overwhelm me, and God seems so distant, I know God is always there for me. It is about what he has done for me at the cross. However small my faith is, it is still faith. Faith as small as a mustard seed can do great things. As the hymn says, “When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace.”

Jesus wept. John 11:35

The context for this verse is that Jesus’ friend, Lazarus, has died and Jesus is full of grief. The bible tells us that Jesus wept, his feelings of sorrow were so overpowering that he was moved to shed tears. Back in 2005, I gave birth to a still born little girl and I was devastated. The pain of sorrow was something I had never properly understood up until then. It was all consuming, heart wrenching and yet I had a Saviour who understood exactly how I was feeling. Knowing that Jesus, the God-man had not just shed a single tear in sympathy but he had actually wept with unbearable grief has been such a help to me. Jesus knows what it is like to sorrow, he knows how it feels to experience that deep pain of loss. A verse with only two words and yet one that has given me so much comfort. “Days of darkness still come over me, Sorrows paths I often tread, Yet the Saviour still is with me, By his hand I’m safely led.”

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

As humans, we like to think we are in control of our lives and then something happens that we can’t control or change and God reminds us once again that he is the one who is holding our lives in his hands. He is in control and he always does what’s best for us. Back in 2002, I gave birth to twin boys and, twelve hours after they were born, I was told that the older twin had Down’s syndrome. This was such a shock. This wasn’t how I’d planned it to be. This wasn’t the child I had ordered. My life was not supposed to have gone this way! And yet, in the midst of the shock and confusion, God was there with me, giving strength and grace for each day. I didn’t understand why this was happening and yet God knew, and I could trust him. Sixteen years on what an amazing blessing Jack has been! God knows the plans he has for us and they are definitely for our best.

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

If I had to choose someone to take to the island with me then it would have to be my Nana. She was a real character, full of fun. We were very close and looking back she showed me the reality of having a living relationship with Jesus. Of course, she had her weaknesses which she would have readily admitted but she loved Jesus and this was evident in the way she lived. She was always visiting people, making them cakes or dropping off food parcels, popping in on non-Christian neighbours in crisis and offering to pray with them and always opening her home to give hospitality. She had an amazing memory for bible verses and hymns and loved playing the piano and praising God; when she sang you could see she believed every word. She had a little card in her bible with verses on she had picked from the psalms that she would pray each morning, asking God to keep a watch over her tongue and also to show his grace to her that day.

I remember one day she told me she had felt a sudden need to pray for my cousin in the middle of the day and she found out hours later that my cousin had been involved in a bad car accident and had walked away unharmed. That has always stayed with me. Her relationship with Jesus was so real and was such an encouragement to me, Nana would be a fantastic companion on a desert island.

Which song would you take to the island?

God has used so many hymns and songs to encourage me during my Christian life, so it is so hard to choose just one. However, ‘In Christ Alone’ is probably one of my favourites. It contains so many helpful truths and promises. In every situation I have faced, Jesus has been my solid ground, my comforter, my all in all. I pray that, by God’s grace, I will continue to know the reality of this amazing hope that we have in Jesus Christ.

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save

'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

Geoff Lloyd, Wyndham, New Zealand

What’s with the spirit of timidity in all these Christians? Why is everyone so afraid of being on an island? I’ve been on a desert island. When I first visited New Zealand, my friend Alistair and I were the only inhabitants of a little island called Ulva. So I’m pretty confident I’d be ok, as we survived that intimidating, well signposted, floor-boarded, verdant paradise for at least 4 hours.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

I remember Geoff Thomas stressing the importance of this verse, it's something that's always stayed with me. He was saying how unique the Lord Jesus was in His teaching. How far apart He stands from the crowds of other secular and religious teachers who offer ideas, thoughts and lifestyles. My saviour offers Himself. He gives me Himself to go to and cast my cares upon. In answer to my most pressing needs Jesus offers me Jesus. The temple soldiers were spot on: ‘No one ever spoke like this man!’

Those words of Jesus are so pregnant with grace I can't think of them without my heart breaking into doxology. How great is Jesus’ love for sinners! There’s nothing more valuable than what He freely gives.

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

I see that Robert Murray McCheyne and Thomas Watson are already hanging out on other people’s islands, so I’m going to have to say Dr. Lloyd-Jones for three reasons.

1) Reading his ‘Evangelistic Sermons at Aberavon’ blew my mind and radically shaped my attitude and approach to preaching. I know that no matter what we talked about, it would center on, revolve around and always return to Christ, crucified.

2) Lloyd-Jones has had a tremendous second-hand influence on me. There are four experienced ministers who were directly instrumental in my ministry: Geoff Thomas (Aberystwyth), Malcolm Jones (Maes-y-cwmer), Bruce Powell and Andrew Davies (both of whom I met as retired ministers in the Newport area). All of them are heroes to me and all would point to Lloyd-Jones as a seminal influence in their lives. I’d love to sit down with a man who was so used of God, that through his ministry, the Spirit raised up so many faithful servants of the church.

3) Lloyd-Jones knew how to dress for the beach which is essential on a desert Island. There’s a great photo in the first half of Iain Murray’s biography of ‘The Doctor’ on a Pembrokeshire beach in a full three piece suit, hands clasped over a book.

Which song would you take to the island?

I’ve got a brain that remembers lyrics, so I’d be taking a whole mental hymnbook. But among those I’d be singing most frequently would be a couple of Wesley’s. Jesu’, Lover of My Soul has the double comfort of soul warming words and a soul stirring tune in ‘Aberystwyth’. My time as a student in that town is one I remember very fondly (the tune was written in my old GP’s surgery!) so I’m always glad to have that tune in my mouth and the Christ glorifying words in my heart.

Oh Jesus Full of Truth and Grace is the hymn I would need when I inevitably fall into sin (Yes, even on a desert island). I once sat in Aberystwyth Salvation Army hall listening to a blind preacher speaking on Matthew 5:29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. I remember him saying, “I’ve never sinned with my eye. But my mind is still capable of creating most graphic, godless thoughts.”

A desert island might produce far fewer stimuli to sin, but my heart needs no encouragement. However, it would crave this great hymn that tells me of Jesus absolute sufficiency to forgive and restore fallen saints.

O Jesus, full of truth and grace,
more full of grace than I of sin,
yet once again I seek Your face;
open Your arms, and take me in,
and feely my backslidings heal,
and love the faithless sinner still.

You know the way to bring me back,
my fallen spirit to restore:
O for Your truth and mercy’s sake,
forgive, and bid me sin no more;
the ruins of my soul repair,
and make my heart a house of prayer.

The stone to flesh again convert,
the veil of sin again remove;
sprinkle Your blood upon my heart,
and melt it by Your dying love;
this rebel heart by love subdue,
and make it soft, make it new.

Ah! Give me, Lord, the tender heart
that trembles at the approach of sin;
a godly fear of sin impart,
implant, and root it deep within,
that I may dread Your gracious power,
and never dare to offend You more.

Charles Wesley, 1707-88

Esther Chaplin, Blackwood

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. Ephesians 1:3-8

I have always struggled with assurance of salvation. Even before I was saved my one question to which no one could give me an answer that I found helpful was, "how will I know?" I was told by some that I would just know; that wasn't good enough for me because I didn't know and sometimes now I still don't know. My problem was and still is looking within for feelings of assurance. The phrases throughout this passage remind me that salvation is all of God and nothing of me. He chose us...He predestined us...He has freely given us...He lavished on us... I need to take my eyes off myself and keep them on Him. 

For God so loved the world, He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17

I went to a Welsh speaking conference in 2016 called Llanw. The main speaker was John Treharne and as I listened to him through the translation headset he spoke of how Jesus came out of the Fathers love. I had never "heard" this before although had heard it many many times throughout my life. Out of the Fathers love! I realised that my view of the Father being the stern one and Jesus the gentle one is not true. It all began with God!

Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, with prayer and Thanksgiving, put your requests to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally brothers and sisters whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:6-9

This verse has helped me in times of depression and anxiety. From the age of 18 I started to experience anxiety episodes. It was a really difficult time and I didn't understand what was happening and why I felt so low a lot of the time. The anxiety attacks would really distress me.  My dad was so supportive at this time and he would talk me through how what I was feeling was like wearing dark coloured glasses. I could not see properly through these glasses and they made everything seem bleak. My Dad would say this verse to me and encourage me to occupy my mind by not dwelling on myself and my circumstances. The way we think affects the way we feel and the promise at the end of the verse is that the peace of God will be with you.

Do not be afraid, I am your God, let nothing terrify you. I will make you strong and help you, I will protect you and save you. Isaiah 41:10

Again, in times of distress, God tells me not to let anything terrify me. So comforting! I would quite often at low times repeat this verse to myself over and over. I specifically remember doing that in work, in private, when I felt that I couldn't get through the day. I had a small pocket book of verses and this was one I thought about a lot. 

Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

I've never known a steady assurance. I still spend a lot of time wondering am I really saved, what if I'm not? Even doing this blog brought the question to my mind. It can be quite scary. Lots of people have encouraged me to believe I am because they see that I am. But I want to see it and I want to feel it. It is my one desire, to have an assurance. This verse reminds me of God's promise; that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. And so my prayer is that of the man in Mark 9: Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief!

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

                                                                                                              The dying thief. He never had the chance to earn his salvation...his faith amazes me! He had to fully lean on Jesus. He couldn't go to church, couldn't have a quiet time, couldn't do anything but trust! That is all that is needed though. God doesn't love me more because I go to church or read my bible etc. He didn't love the dying thief any less because he didn't do these things. He has loved his people with an everlasting love!

Which song would you take to the island?

There is a day
That all creation's waiting for,
A day of freedom and liberation for the earth.
And on that day
The Lord will come to meet His bride,
And when we see Him
In an instant we'll be changed

The trumpet sounds
And the dead will then be raised
By His power,
Never to perish again.
Once only flesh,
Now clothed with immortality,
Death has now been
Swallowed up in victory

We will meet Him in the air
And then we will be like Him
For we will see Him, as He is
Oh yeah!
Then all hurt and pain will cease
And we'll be with Him forever
And in His glory we will live
Oh yeah! Oh yeah!

So lift your eyes
To the things as yet unseen,
That will remain now
For all eternity.
Though trouble's hard,
It's only momentary
And it's achieving
Our future glory.

David Mann, Ontario, Canada

It’s an honour to be included in such an encouraging collection of testimonies. This was certainly a refreshing exercise and, like many others, I had trouble narrowing down verses. The Bible has played such a vital role for me in better understanding my position in Christ, and I am excited for how it will continue to mould me. These are five verses which I cherish and would be delighted to have with me while abandoned on an island.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Moreover, the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. Romans 5:20

The law was put in place to constitute guidelines for avoiding sins. I have found the final sentence in this verse to be a breakthrough in understanding the power of God’s grace. It’s simple, but draws the comparison beautifully of how much further His grace extends beyond the sin that I can so often feel bound in.

The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will deliver the enemy before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’. Deuteronomy 33:27

This verse is on the wall at Heath Evangelical Church in Cardiff. While studying abroad, I attended this church and was challenged to consider its significance. I was drawn to appreciate Moses’ closing speech in a new way. God not only shelters me while on earth, but His protection over me endures into heaven. I am re-oriented and reminded of His continual defeat over Satan in my life.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

I have to include a verse that speaks to the Triune nature of God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, are so intricately connected and each fulfil such a distinct role in the trinity. The Holy Spirit not only advocates on my behalf, but redirects me to Jesus and the Father. He is my ultimate teacher as I read the Scriptures, as I approach God in prayer, and He intimately speaks to me and guides me in my life at all times.

Search me, God, and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-4

God knows me far better than I know myself. He knows my heart’s desires, and the temptations that I face before they even become apparent to me. This verse reminds me of my desperate need for God to reveal to me what I’m blind to see, more specifically to filter out what is not of His will in my life.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:20-1

Life doesn’t always make sense, the emotions I experience, and the events that unfold: the things of this world. As a ‘citizen’ of heaven I know that I don’t belong here, but get a glimpse of what my home will entail. This also keeps me fixed on the living hope I have in Jesus.

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

There are so many godly people from the past, but I’m going to choose Martin Luther. He had such reverence towards the Lord. Specifically, its Luther’s spiritual disciplines that I imagine I would be most edified by. He was known as a man of prayer, someone who had a deep understanding of how the Holy Spirit helped him in this desire. It’s been documented that he spent three hours praying diligently each day. Luther was also very keen that thoughts of God not be tarnished by man’s thoughts and image of Him.

Which song would you take to the island?

I may be the first person to choose a modern worship song. I admit it was tempting to go with a hymn, but there’s something about a rich song that combines both Biblical truth and raw emotion. This is a song that we grew up singing at my home church and it’s never left me: Casting Crowns – East to the West.

Jesus, can you show me just how far the east is from the west?

‘cause I can't bear to see the man I've been

Rising up in me again

In the arms of your mercy I find rest

You know just how far the east is from the west

From one scarred hand to the other

Dan Owen, Newtown, Powys

Ever since my mother made the mistake of thinking I was asleep on the sofa at the age of six and inadvertently let me watch the film ‘Jaws’, I have tried to avoid flying over any ocean that has man-eating sharks.  So, I’m not sure I can request this, but could I please be stranded on a desert island in the Baltic? 

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

I reckon that being stranded on a desert island, even if I’m in the Baltic far from any great whites, would be pretty jolly frightening. These words of Jesus ooze reassurance. They breathe peace into my heart whenever they even cross my mind, let alone have years to meditate upon.

First, they tell me that, no matter how fearful the circumstances, it gives my heavenly Father pleasure to bless me! I am so prone to drift into a wrong view of God’s heart towards me that I need constant reminding of His unconditional love for me. I need reminding that, no matter how often I stumble, no matter how often I fail, God absolutely and unequivocally and without qualification loves to bless me. There is a never-ending torrent of delight in blessing me flowing from the heart of my loving heavenly Father. What peace-giving reassurance that truth would bring as I chew on my fifth raw haddock of the day.

Second, I am in his little flock. It’s a lovely thing to hear your whimpering child on the landing alone in the dark at night, not having the foggiest where they are, petrified with night terrors - bear with me - and then to get up, turn on your bedroom light, open your bedroom door and see their faces light up with joyful relief as they see their loving Dad shrouded in light looking down on them with tender, loving care. As they leap into your arms, brimming with love and sympathy, I say, ‘It’s OK little one, Daddy is here’. In their little hearts they know that, though they are little and afraid, Daddy is strong and they’re safe now that they are with him and he is with them. That’s the reassurance I hear in these words of Jesus, my Shepherd, who is protecting me, providing for me and will always be with me, even when I’m out of everyone else’s sight and thoughts in the middle of the Baltic.

Finally, I reckon being stuck on a desert island might make me a little stir crazy.  I’ll need rock solid hope for the future. Jesus’ words remind that my future is unimaginably awesome for I am given the kingdom by my loving heavenly Father! It gives me strange reassurance knowing that I cannot even begin to fathom the depth or magnitude of this gift. I only know in small part what I am being promised, but one day I’ll know in full. I’ll always have hope in my nippy desert island home.

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

Well, I’d hold out before playing my ‘bring someone who has died along with you’ card.  There’s a 50/50 chance (from my perspective) that my wife would pop her clogs before me.  This would give me the unmissable opportunity to pretend that heaven is actually a desert island in the Baltic with her chubby hubby!  The expression on her face at that moment would keep me going in good humour for many, many years.

Which song would you take to the island?

I will sing the wondrous story

Of the Christ Who died for me;

How He left His home in glory

For the cross of Calvary.

Yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story

Of the Christ Who died for me,

Sing it with the saints in glory,

Gathered by the Baltic sea.

I was lost, but Jesus found me,

Found the sheep that went astray,

Threw His loving arms around me,

Drew me back into His way.

I was bruised, but Jesus healed me,

Faint was I from many a fall,

Sight was gone, and fears possessed me,

But He freed me from them all.

Days of darkness still come o’er me,

Sorrow’s path I often tread,

But His presence still is with me;

By His guiding hand I’m led.

He will keep me till the river

Rolls its waters at my feet;

Then He’ll bear me safely over,

Where the loved ones I shall meet.

Francis Rowley 1886

Max Munday, Carmel, Llanelli

It is always useful to reflect back on Bible verses that have been a source of guidance and/or comfort in the past.  Too often, I forget how I have been helped by the scriptures in so many different circumstances. The rather daunting ‘trial’ of the Desert Island Verses podcast via The Christian Podcast Network was a valuable trigger to go back and look at what had spoken to me, and indeed still does speak to me.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

"…Son of man, can these bones live?" And I answered, "O Lord God, Thou knowest." Again he said unto me, "Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live…" Ezekiel 37:1-14

There is much light in this portion, but the question, “Can these bones live?” in v3 has always cheered my heart. While the portion has a particular context in the Old Testament it points to the power of our God, and what He can do with weak human agents, making us into an exceeding great army. It is a blessing to see how God views us, and how he can use us.

Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither… Genesis 19:22

You might think this is a strange verse, but this piece of scripture tells us so much about the promises of God to His people. Here, God is pleading with Lot to remove himself from the coming destruction of the cities, but it is the middle part of the verse that always speaks to me: “I cannot do anything till thou be come thither.” God has committed to save Lot out of the city and will not make a move until Lot is safe and sound. His care for the individual, stumbling saint here is a great comfort to me.

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Acts 2:37

The verses that spoke to me before I became a Christian were very much tied to sermons that I had heard, I became a Christian in 1984. Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones had passed away in 1981, it was a cassette sermon of his in Acts which really showed me my need of Christ. In particular, the Dr stressed from Acts 2:37 how those hearing Peter’s sermon were ‘pricked in their hearts’, and their immediate response was, “What shall we do?” I identified fully with the original hearers, and listened to the Dr again and again on this passage. He, as Peter before, spelled out clearly the solution for me.

Fear not, for I am with thee. I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west… Isaiah 43:5

Although I did not know it at the time, my sister who became a Christian before me had, during 1984, had a promise concerning my family from Isaiah 43:5. This was literally fulfilled as my brother, my younger sister and I, were all brought from the south east of England, and were saved in the west of the country.

And Elisha prayed and said, “Lord, I pray Thee, open his eyes; that he may see.” And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17

I am running out of space but another verse that would be in my pocket on the island would be 2 Kings 6:17. Being of a fearful and doubting temperament I love this passage in Kings. Consequently, seemingly alone on a desert island, I am comforted knowing that the Lord’s angels are around and about.

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

I do not think I would be very good company for whoever would be there. This is so difficult. With so many Christians who I would like to see on the island, I would probably keep putting my foot in it every time I started to speak. However, if I saw the smiling face of Jim Elliot striding out of the undergrowth, there would be good spiritual company, and someone who could help with the day to day practical issues on the island. The account of that work in Ecuador and the willingness to risk all left a deep impression on the heart of a new believer.

Which song would you take to the island?

Even more difficult is which song I would take… I am not musical at all. From the hymn book, a much loved hymn is ‘Show me Thy face, one transient gleam’ and that would be the one that would help me most in enforced exile. I notice that the powers which be have been a bit mean in terms of the ‘luxury’ one would take. Clearly, this needs remedying urgently. In my case, this would around 10,000 hectares of the West coast of Scotland in which to walk and reflect on the few verses with me. You cannot have a desert island without some decent hills.

Show me Thy face! - one transient gleam,
of loveliness divine,
and I shall never think or dream
of other love save Thine;
All lesser light will darken quite,
all lower glories wane;
The beautiful of earth will scarce
seem beautiful again.

Show me Thy face! - my faith and love
shall henceforth fixed be,
and nothing here have power to move

my soul's serenity;

My life shall seem a trance, a dream,

and all I feel and see,
illusive, visionary - Thou

the one reality!

Show me Thy face! - I shall forget

the weary days of yore;

The fretting ghosts of vain regret

shall haunt my soul no more;

All doubts and fears for future years

in quiet rest subside,

and nought but blest content and calm

within my breast abide.

Show me Thy face! - the heaviest cross

will then seem light to bear;

There will be gain in every loss,

and peace with every care;

With such light feet the years will fleet,

life seem as brief as blest,

till I have laid my burden down,

and entered into rest.

Anonymous

Mark Fisher, East Hanney, Oxfordshire

If I were cast away to a desert island, I’d need to cling on to eternal truths that would give me endurance and resilience, even in this seemingly hopeless situation. I’d pick verses that set glorious, timeless realities before me; and if I could only have a few, perhaps I’d take one from each of my favourite chapters. These would give me perspective, comfort and encouragement, even on a grim and desolate island far, far away:

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

Sin would still be my greatest enemy on this island, so I’d need to be reminded of God’s boundless mercy and grace. Psalm 103 portrays that grace so beautifully, and what a lovely picture v12 paints. To think that my sins have been permanently parted from me, to an infinite distance, so that they can never doom and condemn me – that is a most precious thought indeed! It’s as though they’ve been banished away to a faraway place and can never be retrieved.

He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him; and by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

This verse would remind me of the cost of my forgiveness. What a staggering thing it is, that the Son of God received on Himself all the suffering and punishment that I deserve! Meditating on the cross of Christ is so essential, whether on a far-flung desert island or safe at home, as it shows me how great God’s love is, how precious Christ is, and where my hope is to be found.

Most assuredly, I say to you, He who believes in Me has everlasting life. John 6:47

I love the simplicity of Christ’s promises in this chapter, and v47 is perhaps the simplest of all. Whatever doubts and fears may assail me, I can hold on to this – the Lord Jesus promises eternal life to all who trust in Him. What a wonderful thing to remember when cast down, conscious of sin or oppressed by the evil one (or cast away on an island!) – in Christ, I have a gift beyond all value that can never be snatched away: everlasting life!

I am persuaded that neither death nor life … nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God that is Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39

It’s very hard to pick out just one verse from this chapter. It’s so full of precious gems: that there’s no condemnation in Christ, that present sufferings aren’t worthy to be compared with future glory, that all things work together for good… But what a comfort the closing verses would be on a desert island, or any other bleak situation in life. To know that there is not a single power, affliction or circumstance that can ever drive a wedge between me and my Saviour’s love – that’s a magnificent confidence to have!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

Being on a desert island wouldn’t seem like a very “blessed” situation. But this chapter tells me that whatever my earthly lot may be, I am astoundingly privileged in the Lord Jesus Christ. Chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed, enlightened, made an heir and sealed – since those things are true of me (by grace), I have no grounds for moaning and grumbling, but plenty of reason for praise!

I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Revelation 21:1

This verse would remind me that I wouldn’t be stuck on the island forever. In any distressing situation, I can look ahead with eagerness to the perfect new creation that’s coming one day. The thought of my future home – free from tears, death, sorrow, crying and pain – gives much needed perspective to all that’s happening in the present. And on a desert island, I’m sure the thought of “no more sea” would be particularly welcome!

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

That would have to be C.H. Spurgeon – his deep love for Christ, wise counsel and warm humour would be ideal for a situation like this!

Which song would you take to the island?

Charles Wesley has a wonderful way of combining truth and experience in his hymns, so I’d pick one of his. Since ‘And can it be’ (my favourite) has already been chosen, I’ll go for ‘Jesu, Lover of my soul’. This would remind me of the security, shelter and all-sufficient grace that are to be found in Christ, even when cast away on a remote desert island.

Jesu', Lover of my soul,

Let me to Thy bosom fly,

While the nearer waters roll,

While the tempest still is high:

Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,

Till the storm of life be past;

Safe into the haven guide;

O receive my soul at last!

Other refuge have I none;

Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;

Leave, ah! Leave me not alone,

Still support and comfort me:

All my trust on Thee is stayed,

All my help from Thee I bring;

Cover my defenceless head

With the shadow of Thy wing.

Thou, O Christ, art all I want;

More than all in Thee I find;

Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,

Heal the sick, and lead the blind:

Just and holy is Thy Name,

I am all unrighteousness;

False and full of sin I am,

Thou art full of truth and grace.

Plenteous grace with Thee is found,

Grace to cover all my sin;

Let the healing streams abound,

Make and keep me pure within:

Thou of life the fountain art,

Freely let me take of Thee;

Spring Thou up within my heart,

Rise to all eternity.