“O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be.”

Hymn: “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – Robert Robinson (1735-1790)
Common Tunes: NETTLETON, WARRENTON

I am constantly being invited to seminars about getting rid of all my debt… of owing nothing to anybody – even for my house?! It boggles my mind, and every time it is discussed, I glaze over and an accounting coma overcomes me! We are not deep in debt by any stretch, but we still buy some things “on credit.”

This great hymn text reminds us that we are forever indebted to the grace of God for having put up with us, watched over us, and ultimately has redeemed/is redeeming/will redeem us. Every day, we need to pay God his due thanksgiving for the payment of an overwhelming debt that no one else can, would or could cover for us.

That word “constrained” could throw this line off if we’re not careful… and could mess with our theologies and/or our concept of how God works. If we could insert the word “compelled,” we might be closer to its intent. By his nature, the Grace-Giver does not require that we are grateful people. We are not forced to reciprocate or pay back the debt; we are not even obligated to do so.

Another definition of being constrained is being driven from within to do something. In the same way we are driven to provide for our families, to be the best at our careers and hobbies, to “succeed” even – we are simply personally motivated to constantly remind ourselves that our debt has been forgiven… our sin absolved… our slate wiped clean yet again and again. God doesn’t demand it of us; we do it of our own accord.

Grace is like a magnet that pulls at us constantly. It doesn’t push us around; rather it draws us nearer to the Provider. No straight-jacket. No binding leash. No shackled ankles. Just a gentle nudge reminding us of how marvelous and wonderful is the grace of God.


Mack Wilberg’s Setting of This Hymn (Baylor Choir)