The story behind, “Just As I Am”

In the early 1800s, a woman by the name of Charlotte Elliot had garnered a measure of attention and success as a poet, writing humorous verse. However, in her early 30s she was stricken with a debilitating disease that left her permanently disabled. Her body quickly deteriorated, often leaving her bed-fast and in constant pain. Her infirmity hardened her heart and she became filled with anger and bitterness. In her rage she once asserted, “If God loved me, He would not have treated me this way!”

One evening, a traveling minister was invited over to the Elliot home for dinner. During the course of the meal, Charlotte lost her temper, lashing out at God and the visiting preacher. Her family was so embarrassed by her behavior, that they hurriedly left the dining room leaving Charlotte and the minister alone at the table.

With great gentleness, the parson looked at this embittered woman and asked her a simple question. “You are tired of yourself, aren’t you?” He then went on to say, “You are holding to your hate and anger because you have nothing else in the world to cling to. Consequently, you have become sour, bitter and resentful.” Unsure how she might respond, the pastor waited patiently for Charlotte to reply. “What is your cure?” she finally inquired. “The very faith that you despise” he replied.

As they began to talk back and forth, God softened Charlotte’s hostile soul until she finally asked the preacher this life-changing question; “If I wanted to become a Christian and to share the peace and joy you possess, what must I do?” To which the Swiss minister replied, “You would give yourself to God just as you are right now, with your fightings and fears, hates and loves, pride and shame.”

“I would come to God just as I am? Is that right?” Charlotte asked. Charlotte Elliot came to a saving faith in Jesus that night and became a devout and committed Christian. As time passed, she never forgot the dinner table conversation with the charitable traveling evangelist that freed her troubled soul. Though she continued to struggle with pain, bouts of depression and a feeling of uselessness, she began to write again and used her poetic talents to pen numerous hymns.

Years later, Charlotte’s brother, Henry Elliot, was endeavoring to raise funds for the children of poor clergymen. To assist him in his money raising efforts, Charlotte wrote a sonnet entitled “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” which was printed and sold. This poem was based on one of her favorite Bible verses, John 6:37. The words to that poem captured her own salvation experience and having been set to music, have become one of the most beloved gospel hymns of all time. If you have been around Christian circles for any length of time, you will be familiar with the title of this song, “Just as I am.”

The well written lyrics of this oft sung hymn relate an inescapable truth for all humanity … we must all come to Christ just as we are. With all our doubts and fears, frustrations and disappointments. With our anxieties and anger and with our failures and sordid past. God the Father joyfully receives sinners and always welcomes home wayward children.

It is my desire that what became real to Charlotte Elliott that night sitting at her dining room table will also become real to you … that God sees you just where you are and will receive you if you will only trust in His Son. You must simply turn away from yourself and believe in the perfect life, sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ as your only hope for life eternal.

May a verse from this beloved hymn speak peace to your heart. “Just as I am, Thou wilt receive. Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve. Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.”

Charlotte Elliott lived to be 82 years old and wrote some 150 hymns. Though she never enjoyed good health, she faithfully served the Christ who loved her and gave Himself for her.

Permit me to leave you with a quote from Charlotte herself. “God sees, God guides and God guards me. His voice bids me to be happy and holy in His service JUST WHERE I AM!”

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