I am Resolved is a powerful hymn that calls believers to commit fully to following Christ, rejecting worldly distractions and seeking His eternal truth. Central themes of the song include dedication to Christ, the pursuit of godly wisdom, and being led by Scripture and the Holy Spirit.
VERSE 1
I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight;
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.
CHORUS
I will hasten to Him,
Hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest,
I will come to Thee.
VERSE 2
I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true one, He is the just one,
He has the words of life.
VERSE 3
I am resolved, and who will go with me?
Come, friends, without delay;
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,
We’ll walk the heavenly way.
Story Behind the Song
In the late 19th century, Palmer Hartsough, a dedicated hymn writer, crafted the lyrics to “I Am Resolved.” Born in 1844 in Redford, Michigan, Hartsough spent his early years teaching music across various states before settling in Rock Island, Illinois, where he opened a music studio and served as a church music director.
His talent soon attracted the attention of the Fillmore Brothers Publishing Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1893, he joined their team, providing texts for their musical compositions. [1]
The inspiration for “I Am Resolved” came in 1896 when James Fillmore, Sr., co-founder of the publishing company, sought a hymn for the Ohio delegation attending the World Endeavor Convention in San Francisco. Fillmore composed the tune and initially penned some lyrics but felt they needed refinement to resonate with a broader audience.
He turned to Hartsough, who reworked the lyrics to emphasize a firm commitment to abandon worldly pleasures and follow Jesus. The hymn was first performed at the convention and later published in “The Praise Hymnal” the same year. [2]
The hymn’s creation was also influenced by Francis Edward Clark, founder of the Christian Endeavor movement, which aimed to provide a framework for Christian living and service within local churches. “I Am Resolved” served as a tribute to Clark’s efforts, encapsulating the movement’s spirit of dedication and resolve in one’s faith journey. [3]
Throughout his career, Hartsough authored over a thousand hymn texts. His collaboration with Fillmore and his work on “I Am Resolved” have left a lasting impact on Christian hymnody, inspiring believers to commit wholeheartedly to their faith.
Is this story factual? Do you have additional insights or story about this song? Feel free to share them in the comments below.
Pursue Christ Above All
I am Resolved is a call to unwavering commitment to Christ, rejecting worldly distractions and choosing to follow Him through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. It reflects the biblical themes of repentance, discipleship, and the pursuit of God’s truth.
I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight expresses the believer’s decision to turn away from earthly temptations. This reflects 1 John 2:15-17, which warns against loving the world and its desires, and Colossians 3:1-2, urging believers to set their hearts on things above. Following Christ requires a clear break from what hinders spiritual growth.
He has the words of life affirms that only Jesus offers the truth that leads to eternal life. Peter declared in John 6:68 that there is no other source of salvation. Jesus alone provides the wisdom and direction needed for a life that pleases God. Hebrews 4:12 emphasizes the power of God’s Word to transform lives, making it essential for every believer to seek His teachings.
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit highlights the need for both Scripture and the Holy Spirit in guiding a believer’s walk. 2 Timothy 3:16 states that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness. Romans 8:14 further emphasizes that those led by the Spirit are children of God. True discipleship requires dependence on both, ensuring a life aligned with God’s will.
While the song encourages personal resolve, salvation is ultimately by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), not human effort. Following Christ is not about determination alone but about trusting in His work on the cross. The lyrics do not contradict this truth but could be clearer in emphasizing that a believer’s commitment flows from God’s grace, not self-will.
Choosing Christ over the world, seeking His truth, and following His guidance through the Word and Spirit define a life of faith. Worship is not just a declaration but a daily pursuit of God’s higher calling. True resolution comes not from human strength but from surrendering fully to Christ, who alone leads to eternal life.
More Related Bible verses on Dedication to Christ
Then he said to them all, ‘If anyone wants to come with me, he must forget himself, take up his cross every day, and follow me.’ Luke 9:23 GNB
So then, my friends, because of God’s great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer. Romans 12:1 GNB
Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you want to come with me, you must forget yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.’ Matthew 16:24 GNB
I consider everything else to be worthless when compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him, I have lost everything, and I consider it all as garbage in order to gain Christ. Philippians 3:8 GNB
And he died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died and was raised to life for their sake. 2 Corinthians 5:15 GNB
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Bible Readings for Worship
- Bible Verses on Pursuing Our Dreams
- Jesus Our Living Hope
- Like a Tree Planted by Streams of Water (Psalm 1:1-6)
More Free Downloads
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- All To Jesus (Lifepoint Worship)
- Hesus Sa Buhay Ko (FaithMusic Manila)
- Because of Jesus (Charity Gayle)
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Related themes you might want to include I Am Resolved in your list of songs for worship that centered around The Lord’s Table, Jesus Christ, The Cross of Christ, New Life in Christ.
I Am Resolved hymn by Palmer Hartsough, 19th century, Public Domain
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