Rufus McDaniel (1850-1940) never got over the joy of his salvation. The transformation in his life after receiving Christ never ceased to thrill him. He married, became a song leader in a local church, and raised his children under his well-spring of joy. When his youngest son died in 1913, Rufus ached with a loss that only Heaven’s reunion will fix. But he determined to rejoice even more that death cannot steal our future. He wrote a song and dedicated it to his son’s memory…
What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
Since Jesus came into my heart!
I have light in my soul for which long I have sought,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
I have ceased from wandering and going astray,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And my sins, which are many, are all washed away,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
I shall go there to dwell in that City, I know,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And I’m happy, so happy, as onward I go,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
The following year, a Billy Sunday crusade came to Philadelphia, and they asked for a song about the joy of salvation. Rufus brought his song forward. That first night, a police officer who had been assigned to guard the meetings, trusted Christ as this song reached down into his sin-weary heart. He invited his department to come and hear also, and in the following weeks, over one-hundred fellow officers placed their faith in Christ.
Jesus promised us a joy in salvation that no trial of this life can take away. Even when we pass through the valley of tears, He promises to turn our tears into well-springs of blessing and strength for others (Psalm 84:5-7). May our testimony always be…
“The joy of the Lord is our strength.”
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