"Wayfaring Stranger" is a Christian hymn that arose from an African American spiritual song of the 19th century. Its scripture references include Psalm 39, Psalm 119, 2 Corinthians 3, and Hebrews 11-13. The lyrics of this hymn illustrate the life of a Christian longing for their home of God's kingdom as a "wayfaring stranger" on earth. Read the beautiful lyrics of this song and the Bible references below!
1 I’m just a poor wayfaring stranger,
I’m trav’ling through this world below;
There is no sickness, toil, nor danger,
In that bright world to which I go.
I’m going there to see my father,
I’m going there no more to roam;
I’m just a going over Jordan,
I’m just a going over home.
2 I know dark clouds will gather o’er me,
I know my pathway’s rough and steep;
But golden fields lie out before me,
Where weary eyes no more shall weep.
I’m going there to see my mother,
She said she’d meet me when I come;
I’m just a going over Jordan,
I’m just a going over home.
3 I want to sing salvations story,
In concert with the blood-washed band;
I want to wear a crown of glory,
When I get home to that good land.
I’m going there to see my brothers,
They passed before me one by one;
I’m just a going over Jordan,
I’m just a going over home.
4 I’ll soon be free from every trial,
This form will rest beneath the sod;
I’ll drop the cross of self-denial,
And enter in my home with God.
I’m going there to see my Saviour,
Who shed for me His precious blood;
I’m just a going over Jordan,
I’m just a going over home.
Source: Christian Songster, 1858
The Story Behind Wayfaring Stranger
Bible References in "Wayfaring Stranger"
"Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers." ~ Psalm 39:12
"I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me!" ~ Psalm 119:19
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18
"But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city." ~ Hebrews 11:16
"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." ~ Hebrews 13:14
