Some songs lend themselves to innovation, so that the worshipper may intone whatever moves his or her spirit. Whatever is inside comes out. What would you say in the presence of God? That is the method suggested by the song “Let All That Is Within Me”. Perhaps some campers were around a fire (like the one shown here), challenging each other to deepen their commitment to Him. What one word comes from deep inside a worshipper when the Lord is encountered personally? Any two-syllable word will do in this song, so anyone can contribute to its authorship, as long as the feelings are genuine.
Who was the song’s composer? Some sources indicate that Melvin Harrell wrote this song in 1963, while at least one hymnal (Songs of Faith and Praise, Howard Publishing 1994) shows its composer is considered ‘traditional’ (therefore anonymous). Another source (Praise Chorus Book, Maranatha Music 1983) shows Harrell as the translator, with the composer unknown, suggesting the song was in a foreign language at one time. Nothing further is known of Melvin Harrell. Did he associate with believers from another culture or language, allowing him access to this song? (UPDATE: In November 2014, someone commented on this blog entry [see comment 1 below] that Melvin had learned of the song in the native language of Ghana when he was a missionary there. Great stuff, which makes this a fresh scoop of information! Thanks for reading!)
The key words used in the different verses of this simple tune capture the basic responses of humans who contact the awesome God. ‘Worthy’, ‘risen’, ‘coming’, ‘holy’, ‘Jesus’, are just a few of them that have been recorded for us. What was it Moses and Peter said when they met the Almighty? You might call it worship, but the initial reaction seemed also to be of alarm, and recognition of their own deficiencies. So, if I’m honest and understand I’m in the same boat with these biblical characters, when I first meet Him I might instead say “Let all that is within me cry terror!” Fortunately, that’s only the initial response, not where God wanted Moses and Peter, nor me, to remain.
So, choose your emotional response, the song invites. Gather around the fire, and get in touch with what others might be seeing when they look for Him. Perhaps this was the goal of some believers or searchers when this song was born. It’s never too late to discover something new about Him that someone else has encountered. Am I in trouble, crying out to Him for help? How about marveling at His nature…is that where I’m at? Do I expect Him to return one day, prompting me to sing with joyful anticipation? Perhaps my emotions are mixed up, and I only cry out with my spirit, unable to vocalize what I feel. Just call on His name. One of the verses allows that response too. ‘Jesus’ is all I need to say, sometimes. Just let Him hear from you.
The below sites indicate that Melvin Harrell is the composer (possibly original?), copyright in 1963.
Melvin Harrell was my pastor growing up. He served as pastor of an Assemblies of God church in Reedley, CA. He is now in his late 90's. In the 1950's he served with his wife and family in what is now Ghana in west Africa. As far as I remember the story, he translated the song from the local language in Ghana. I don't know if he wrote the tune, or if it was the locals there. He is on Facebook, if you would like to look him up and ask him more about the song.
ReplyDeletethanks G. Akin! That's adds some really good spice to the taste of this scoop!
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