In 1907, Adelaide A. Pollard first published the Christian hymn “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” as part of the Northfield Hymnal with Alexander’s supplement. It is one of the hymns that became a gospel song that country legends would sing in the coming years.
According to a report, Adelaide got the inspiration for the song when she attended a prayer service. At that time, Adelaide had plans to go to Africa as a missionary. However, since she was unable to raise enough funds to make the journey, she ended up feeling discouraged.
But thanks to the older woman she met during the prayer service, her eyes suddenly opened to the truth. She overheard her surrender her life and everything out of her control to God, entrusting her fate to the almighty being.
Considering Adelaide was in a tight situation where she didn’t know what to do or where to go, hearing such a statement uplifted her soul somehow. Because of that, as soon as she returned home, she decided to write the story of the potter from Jeremiah 18:3 and turn it into a hymn – which eventually became a gospel song popularized by artists like Johnny Cash, Mahalia Jackson, and Ronnie Milsap.
Meaning Behind the Hymn
“Have Thine Own Way, Lord” is a hymn about the potter from Jeremiah 18:3, which strongly correlates with the elder woman’s statement during the prayer service.
For You
Throughout the hymn, Adelaide repeats the words “Have Thine Own Way,” emphasizing the believers’ harmony with God. The words simply resonate with listeners, as we all have walked through trials.
It is a reminder for all of us to surrender ourselves to God, as he is the only one who can help us through our journey. This hymn of submission reflects Adelaide’s spiritual journey and the realizations she felt after her dreams for her life were not realized.
Although she felt discouraged when her strong desire to serve the Lord in Africa didn’t materialize, she realized this and ended up teaching girls in America at a missionary school instead—still doing her part to serve the Lord.
So, if you are on a rough journey and are looking for a hymn to deepen your faith in God, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” would be a great tune for you to listen to.
