Charlotte Elliott wrote the hymn "Just As I Am" in 1834. She had been an invalid for many years, and though she wanted to help with a fund-raiser for a girl's school, she was too ill. She felt useless, and this inner distress caused her to begin doubting her faith in Christ. She wrote "Just As I Am" as a response to her doubt. The crux of her distress is perhaps best expressed in these words: "Just as I am, though tossed about with a many conflict, a many doubt, fightings, and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come!"
Three days later after His death and burial, Jesus rose from the grave and invited the disciple whom history has nicknamed "Doubting Thomas" to examine the marks of His crucifixion (John 20:27). When Thomas touched Jesus' wounds, he finally believed in the resurrection. Christ responded, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (v. 29). As Christians today, we are the ones who have not seen but still believe. Yet at times our earthly circumstances create serious questions in our souls. Even then, we cry out: "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24). Jesus welcomes us to come to Him just as we are. The risen Christ opens the door of you to have the fullness of life.
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