My Lord, I Did Not Choose You

“My Lord, I Did Not Choose You” by Josiah Conder is a hymn of profound theological reflection and gratitude that centers on the truth of divine election and grace. Written in 1836, the hymn captures the humble acknowledgment that salvation is not a human achievement but a divine gift. It draws from John 15:16, where Christ reminds His disciples that they were chosen by Him, not the other way around.

Conder’s words express the deep wonder of being chosen, loved, and redeemed by God through Christ. The hymn rejects any notion of self-righteousness or human merit, affirming that it was God who first loved us and drew us to Himself. Each verse unfolds a humble confession of dependence on God’s mercy: that faith, love, and life itself spring from His sovereign grace. In essence, it is a lyrical meditation on the doctrine of grace alone, salvation not earned by effort, but received by faith through the initiative of God’s love.

The first stanza sets the tone with a direct admission: “My Lord, I did not choose You, for that could never be.” This line immediately disarms pride and exalts divine sovereignty. The following verses describe the believer’s transformation through the work of the Holy Spirit, whose power opens blind eyes and awakens a dead heart to respond to Christ’s call. The hymn beautifully balances deep theology with personal devotion, turning a profound doctrine into heartfelt praise.

Josiah Conder, known as both a poet and hymn writer, possessed a gift for expressing weighty truths in language that is both reverent and tender. In this hymn, he unites doctrinal precision with emotional sincerity, leading worshippers into a posture of awe before the God who saves by grace. The hymn is not merely an intellectual statement about predestination; it is a song of worship flowing from a heart overwhelmed by undeserved mercy.

“My Lord, I Did Not Choose You” resonates deeply with believers who understand that faith itself is a response enabled by the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that even our desire to come to Christ originates in God’s prior action. This perspective fuels gratitude, humility, and deeper trust in His unchanging love.

Over the years, the hymn has been included in many evangelical hymnals and remains a favorite among those who cherish hymns rich in theological truth. Its simple structure and steady rhythm make it suitable for both personal devotion and corporate worship.

Ultimately, this hymn invites believers to rest in the assurance that they belong to God not because of their choice, but because of His eternal purpose. It turns the mystery of divine election into a melody of thanksgiving, echoing the words of the Apostle John: “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).