Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

“Have Thine Own Way, Lord:” A Hymn About a Potter’s Story

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

There are times when we find ourselves facing a crossroad, confused with the many things going on in our lives, or struggling with something else, and on the verge of giving up. These situations offer us the best chance to simply drop whatever it is that burdens us unto God’s care. It is during these times that the only thing we can do is trust in Him. Let Him be in control. After all, He is God, the omnipotent one. And if you’re looking for something to deepen your faith in Him, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” would be a great tune to listen to.

"Have Thine Own Way, Lord" by Adelaide Pollard, based on a potter's story
Photo credit: podomatic.com

“Have Thine Own Way, Lord” Background & Inspiration

This Christian hymn was born out of the author’s profound trust in her maker. Adelaide A. Pollard was inspired to write the hymn’s lyrics after visiting a prayer ceremony where she heard a woman say,

“It doesn’t really matter what you do with us, Lord, just have your own way with our lives.”

Prior to that, Pollard had a disheartening experience. She had a great wish to pay a missionary visit to Africa. However, she found herself unable to raise the fund needed for the journey. After hearing those encouraging words from that woman, she fell into deep contemplation of the potter’s story found in the book of Jeremiah 18:3.

When she went home that evening, she wrote down the words based on what she reflected on was able to complete all the four stanzas. The outcome was the famous hymn “Have Thine Own Way, Lord.”

Adelaide Pollard, "Have Thine Own Way, Lord"
Photo credit: umcdiscipleship.org

Five years passed after Pollard penned the lyrics, George Stebbins composed a melody which he named “Adelaide.” That tune was used to accompany the text written by Pollard.

The hymn went on to be sung by numerous artists. Among the famous names who covered the song was Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves, Mahalia Jackson, and the most recent one was Ronnie Milsap who included his recording on his 2009 album Then Sings My Soul.

Listen to Jim Reeves’ version of the song below.

Latest Stories

Alan Jackson Sings a Heartfelt Cover of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

Alan Jackson Sings a Heartfelt Cover of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

Debuting his gospel album on February 28, 2006, Alan Jackson made his own rendition of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Helen H. Lemmel. The song was featured as the ...

Tori Kelly Reminds Us That We Are “Never Alone” With Jesus

Tori Kelly Reminds Us That We Are “Never Alone” With Jesus

In 2018, American singer Tori Kelly released a gospel song titled “Never Alone” as part of her album Hiding Place.  The song instantly became one of Tori Kelly’s greatest hits, ...

FloydFest 2024: What You Need To Know

FloydFest 2024: What You Need To Know

Festival Title:FloydFest Horizon 2024Festival Duration:July 24-28, 2024 2024Venue:5826 Floyd Highway FestivalPark in North Check, VirginiaPerformers Include:Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Black Pumas, Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell, and moreTicket Information:Get Your Tickets ...

FairWell Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

FairWell Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Festival Title:FairWell Festival 2024Festival Duration:July 19-21, 2024Venue:Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Central Oregon, OregonPerformers Include:Kacey Musgraves, Caamp, Billy Strings, and moreTicket Information:Get Your Tickets Here Deschutes County Fairgrounds is gearing up ...

Post Malone and Blake Shelton's “Pour Me A Drink,” the Collab of the Century

Post Malone and Blake Shelton’s “Pour Me A Drink,” the Collab of the Century

In 2024, American rapper Post Malone released the country bop “Pour Me A Drink,” featuring country superstar Blake Shelton – and let’s say, it was far beyond what people expected. ...

Country Singer Mark Chesnutt In Recovery After Emergency Heart Surgery 

Country singer Mark Chesnutt from Beaumont, Texas, shared a health update on his Instagram account following an emergency heart surgery earlier in June 2024. In his post, he wrote, “Well ...

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose Trade Abuse Allegations in Divorce Battle

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose Trade Abuse Allegations in Divorce Battle

Billy Ray Cyrus claims estranged wife, Firerose, has verbally, emotionally, and physically abused him during their seven-month marriage. The claims came about after Firerose filed a response to Cyrus’ divorce ...

Sonny James' Timeless Cover of the Classic Hit “Young Love”

Sonny James’ Timeless Cover of the Classic Hit “Young Love”

In 1957, legendary country singer Sonny James released one of the timeless covers of the classic hit song “Young Love.” The song was originally released by Ric Cartey and Jiva-Tones ...

Best Country Fiddler Doug Kershaw’s Performance of “Diggy Diggy Lo”

In 1969, Doug Kershaw released his solo version of the hit song “Diggy Diggy Lo,” which surprised fans. The song was originally released by Doug and his brother Rusty in ...

Rock the South 2024: What You Need To Know

Rock the South 2024: What You Need To Know

Festival Title:Rock the South 2024Festival Duration:July 18-20, 2024Venue:York Farms in Cullman, AlabamaPerformers Include:Eric Church, HARDY, Jelly Roll, and moreTicket Information:Get Your Tickets Here The biggest party in the South, Rock ...

Leave a Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.