Precious Hiding Place

By Avis B. Christiansen

Lyrics

1. I was straying when Christ found me
In the night so dark and cold;
Tenderly His arm went around me,
And He bore me to His fold.

Chorus:
Precious hiding place,
Precious hiding place,
In the shelter of His love;
Not a doubt or fear,
Since my Lord is near,
And I'm sheltered in His love.

2. With His nail-scarred hand He bro't me
To the shelter of His love;
Of His grace and will He taught me,
And of heav'nly rest above.

3. Tho' the night be dark around me
I am safe, for He is near;
Never shall my foes confound me,
While the Savior's voice I hear.

Bible Reference

Luke 15:4

About This Hymn

“I Was Straying When Christ Found Me” was written by Avis B. Christiansen, a prolific hymnwriter whose works are known for their personal warmth and deep spiritual sincerity. Christiansen’s lyrics often expressed her own walk with Christ and her gratitude for His saving grace. Published in 1934, this hymn vividly portrays the biblical theme of the Good Shepherd seeking and saving the lost. The imagery draws directly from passages like Luke 15 and John 10, where Christ is depicted as the Shepherd who leaves the fold to find the one sheep that has gone astray.

The hymn begins with the confession of wandering far from God, emphasizing the helpless condition of the sinner before salvation. It then moves to the moment of divine rescue, describing how Christ lovingly pursued, found, and redeemed the lost soul. The words celebrate the believer’s transformation from fear and isolation into safety and fellowship with the Lord. The repeated theme of being “found” serves as a reminder that salvation is entirely initiated by God’s grace, not by human seeking or effort.

Set to a tender and uplifting melody, “I Was Straying When Christ Found Me” resonates deeply with those who have experienced God’s personal intervention in their lives. It has been cherished in revival meetings and personal testimonies, offering both comfort to believers and an invitation to those still wandering without Christ. Through its heartfelt narrative and scriptural foundation, the hymn continues to point people to the saving power and relentless love of the Good Shepherd.