Just As I Am

Just As I Am

She wrote from her own experience.

BORN ON March 17, 1789, Charlotte Elliott grew up in a cultured, spiritual household in England. Her grandfather was the famous preacher Henry Venn, and her father and brother were also ministers.

When Charlotte was in her thirties, she experienced a serious illness that left her in poor health and in significant pain for the rest of her life. Feelings of weakness and helplessness that stemmed from her physical problems resulted in a lifelong struggle with depression.

One day in 1822 when Charlotte was especially depressed and irritable, Dr. Caesar Malan, a Swiss minister, musician, and old family friend, questioned her regarding her faith. He asked her whether she had ever experienced God’s peace in the midst of her difficulties. She became upset and defensive, but his words nagged at her heart. Later, when she was feeling better, she sought out Dr. Malan and asked him for help, confessing her sense of alienation from God. She said, “I want to be saved; I want to come to Jesus, but I don’t know how.” He replied simply and sincerely, “Come to him just as you are.” His words were from the Lord, and they spoke to Charlotte powerfully.

Charlotte did come to Jesus in faith that day, and peace filled her heart for the first time. She continued to struggle with depression as her physical problems plagued her, but now she had Jesus to help her through her difficulties.

On one particularly trying day she was unable to go to a church function she really wanted to attend because of her intense pain and weakness. She was deeply depressed, feeling she could do nothing to serve the Lord as a homebound invalid. In her misery she reached for a pen and paper and poured out her feelings. As she wrote, the words of Dr. Malan came back to her, and she felt as if her great burden was being lifted:

Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Charlotte Elliott published the hymn anonymously in a small Christian newspaper. Unknown to Charlotte, over time the hymn gained popularity and was shared in churches and religious magazines. A wealthy woman was so moved by the hymn that she had it published on a leaflet and distributed throughout England. One day Charlotte’s doctor handed her the leaflet, thinking that the poem might be of help to her. Imagine their collective surprise when she recognized the words as her own! Charlotte was amazed as she learned how many people were touched by her hymn. She realized then that writing was not only a source of comfort for her but that she also could bring comfort to others. She had found her ministry. She continued writing hymns through the years, and although she remained in significant pain, her hymns consistently demonstrated gentleness, patience, and spiritual strength.

Years later, when “Just As I Am” had become known throughout England, her brother, who was a pastor, commented that her single hymn may have borne more fruit than he had in his entire ministry.

A century later when young Billy Graham went forward to receive Christ at an evangelistic service, the first song of invitation was “Just As I Am.”

Reflection

Dr. Malan never could have guessed that his simple reply to Charlotte’s question would be repeated again and again by countless Christians throughout the world. We never know how our words may impact others. Pray that God will use your words for his purposes.

My message and my preaching were very plain. I did not use wise and persuasive speeches, but the Holy Spirit was powerful among you. I did this so that you might trust the power of God rather than human wisdom.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5