Outside the camp with Jesus,
Oh, precious, blessed place,
Where He has called us to Himself
With wondrous, matchless grace.
Apart from all that would distract,
Would hinder or would dim,
The fullness of communion sweet,
And fellowship with Him.
Outside the camp with Jesus,
'Tis He who makes the call,
To His beloved far and wide
To own Him Lord of all.
Outside the camp, where nothing else
But Jesus fills the heart,
Where He, the center of our thought,
Doth peace and joy impart.
Outside the camp with Jesus,
Just gather to His name,
Where He Himself is in the midst
Forevermore the same.
The Holy Spirit leads the way
When giv'n His rightful place,
To take the precious things of Christ,
Revealing matchless grace.
Outside the camp with Jesus,
'Tis Jesus fills our gaze
When He's the object of our thought,
Our theme of endless praise.
'Tis such a peaceful, precious place,
A blessed portion this,
A foretaste of the joys to come,
In Heav'n's eternal bliss.
I take my place, Lord Jesus,
Outside the camp with Thee,
Apart from all that interferes,
From worldly service free.
Just gather round the Lord Himself,
Remembering Thy love,
Enjoying there Thy presence
Till we meet Thee Lord, above.
-Lois Beckwith