TRUST #33: HYMN - Trusting Jesus

When we put our TRUST in the Lord, it can bring us comfort as we realize that, even when we don't understand God's ways, everything we go through in life happens for a reason. It brings us peace. 

Edgar P. Stites was a hymn writer and an active member of his church in the mid to late 1800's. One of the hymns he wrote, Trusting Jesus, conveys the type of trust he had. The lyr­ics first ap­peared as a po­em in a news­pa­per. Then, the words were giv­en to Evangelist, Dwight L. Moo­dy, who then asked his song leader, Ira D. Sank­ey, to put the words to mu­sic. A beautiful hymn was the result. It is a timeless hymn that has encouraged many to keep "trusting Him whate'r befall, TRUSTING Jesus, that is all." 

TRUSTING JESUS
Words by: Edgar P. Stites
Music by: Ira D. Sankey

Simply trusting every day,

Trusting through a stormy way;

Even when my faith is small,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Refrain

Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Brightly does His Spirit shine

Into this poor heart of mine;

While He leads I cannot fall;

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Refrain

Singing if my way is clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger for Him call;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Refrain

Trusting Him while life shall last,

Trusting Him till earth be past;

Till within the jasper wall,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Refrain

REFERENCES:

Cyber Hymnal

Hymns With A Message

TRUST #28: Tis So Sweet To TRUST in Jesus

This lovely old hymn was written by a young missionary in 1882 after a heartbreaking, life-altering event took place. She wrote the words shortly after she watched her husband drown while trying to rescue a young child. Read the lyrics here, and click on the title to hear the tune:

'TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS
By: Louisa M.R. Stead

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

And to take Him at His Word;

Just to rest upon His promise,

And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

Refrain

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to trust His cleansing blood;

And in simple faith to plunge me

’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Refrain

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking

Life and rest, and joy and peace.

Refrain

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,

Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;

And I know that Thou art with me,

Wilt be with me to the end.

Refrain

Two Favorite Easter Songs

The word of the week is CROSS

: a long piece of wood with a shorter piece across it near the top that people were once fastened to and left to die on as a form of punishment

When I was a little girl, my favorite hymn was “The Old Rugged Cross.” I knew all the words to the first verse and the chorus, and I just loved how beautiful it was (and, it still is, of course). Now that I’m older, the third and fourth verses of the hymn speak to me the most. Here are the words to the hymn:

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS

Written by:  George Bennard, 1913

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

Refrain

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

Refrain

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.

Refrain

In the third verse, it says, “For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died to pardon and sanctify me.” It was Jesus death on that cross that allowed me to be cleansed of my sins. He took the punishment that was meant for you and me.

And, then, in the last verse:  "Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away, Where His glory forever I’ll share." Because of my faith in Christ, and because I am trusting Him for the forgiveness of my sins, I will someday meet Him face to face in our home in Heaven.

Listen to this version of The Old Rugged Cross sung by Dallas Holm and his wife, Linda:

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS

With today being Easter (Resurrection Sunday), we focus not only on the death of Jesus, but mostly on His resurrection. I am thankful that, even though Jesus died on that old rugged cross, the great news is that He didn’t stay dead. God rolled that huge stone away from Jesus’ tomb, and brought Him back to life!

Another one of Dallas Holm’s songs that I grew up with is one of my all time favorites:

RISE AGAIN

Someday, He will be coming back again to take His people home. I am ready for that day to come. I hope you are, too. If you aren't sure if you are "ready," or you are needing more information about this, feel free to leave a comment, or send me an e-mail. My husband and I would be happy to answer your questions.

HYMN: May the Mind of Christ My Savior

This hymn was sung during our recent visit to Moody Bible Institute at the close of the Alumni Banquet. I am familiar with this hymn, but was really drawn to the words when we sang it this time. I love the words.

The hymn was written in the early 1900's by Kate B. Wilkinson, who worked with young women in London. Other than that, not much is known about the background of this song, or of the author; but, again, I love the words.

Each stanza of this hymn is like a prayer based on Scripture. You will see I have included one Bible verse under each stanza that could easily go along with the words.

May this hymn be a prayer we can all pray today, and every day...

(Click the title to hear the tune)

MAY THE MIND OF CHRIST MY SAVIOR

Words by:  Kate Barclay Wilkinson

May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling
All I do and say.

Philippians 2:5 - In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. (NIV)

May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His power.

Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.

Philippians 4:7 -  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing,
This is victory.

Philemon 1:4-5 -  I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus.

May I run the race before me,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As I onward go.

Hebrews 12:1-2 -  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. 

May His beauty rest upon me,
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only Him.

Mark 16:15 -  He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."

HYMN: Be Thou My Vision

I have been praying about which topics I should write about in 2015, and have decided to take a break from posting hymn studies every Sunday. I will still write about them as I feel led, but it won't be on a weekly basis anymore. Today, though, I want to finish out this year with one more hymn - one that has words which reflect the desires of my heart, and hopefully reflects yours as well:  BE THOU MY VISION.  

In my search for this hymn, I found a beautiful version of it sung by a contemporary Christian group called Selah. I love their music, but I had never heard this song sung by them before now. It has an Irish tone to it, which I absolutely love! (It makes sense, since the author was from Ireland, and the melody is a traditional Irish melody.) But, the words... oh, the words... they are a prayer to the Lord... a prayer we should all consider praying as we head into the new year. The words to this hymn share: 

• A desire for the Lord to be our vision - that in whatever we do, day or night, we will  try to see things through His eyes and do what He wants us to do.
• That He is more important than anything else in this world.
• A request for wisdom. If we would all ask for wisdom before we speak, or before we act, what a difference it could make in this world!
• Confidence and trust, knowing He is always there with us.
• The focus of a relationship with Him rather than the desire for earthly treasures.
• The desire for Christ to be glorified in our lives, that whatever happens, others will see Jesus in us.

What a great prayer! Click on the link below to listen to this song and, if you feel led (and I hope you do), pray this prayer as you listen.What better goal to have for the new year than to develop a deeper, more meaningful relationship with our Lord, seeking His wisdom and guidance, and striving to see things through His eyes. 

BE THOU MY VISION 

Sung by:  SELAH 

Irish Traditional Melody

Original Words by:  Dallan Forgaill

Translated into English by:  Mary E. Byrne in 1905
Completed in 1912 into the modern-day hymn by: Eleanor H. Hull

* 

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought, by day or by night;
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father and I, Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise;
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart;
O King of glory, my treasure Thou art.

O King of glory, my victory won;
Rule and reign in me ’til Thy will be done;
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall;
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

You can learn more about the hymn and its history at http://be-thou-my-vision.com/

CHRISTMAS HYMN: Who Is He in Yonder Stall?

 

Benjamin R. Hanby was born in Ohio in 1833. The son of a preacher who spoke about the evils of slavery, he wrote one of America's greatest antislavery ballads, "Darling Nelly Gray," but he was at his happiest when he was writing Sunday School songs for children. He took a special interest in children, and in music. Tragically, he lost his life to Tuberculosis in 1867 when he was 34 years old. About a year before that, this hymn was published. It is a Christmas hymn that doesn't just cover the birth of Jesus, or the shepherds, or the angels, or the wisemen. It goes much deeper and covers the life of Jesus from Bethlehem to Galilee. It gives us the full story of the Christ child and explains WHY he came to earth. He wasn't just a cute little baby lying in a manger. He was born to be the King - the Savior - of the world.

Psalm 24:10 - Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty - he is the King of glory. (NIV)

WHO IS HE IN YONDER STALL?

Words and Music by:  Benjamin Russell Hanby

Who is He in yonder stall,
At whose feet the shepherds fall?

Who is He in deep distress,

Fasting in the wilderness?

Refrain:
'Tis the Lord! oh wondrous story!
'Tis the Lord! the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall;
Crown Him, crown Him Lord of all!

Who is He the people bless
For His words of gentleness?
Who is He to Whom they bring
All the sick and sorrowing?

Refrain

Who is He that stands and weeps
At the grave where Lazarus sleeps?
Who is He the gathering throng
Greet with loud triumphant song?

Refrain

Lo! at midnight, who is He
Prays in dark Gethsemane?
Who is He on yonder tree
Dies in grief and agony?

Refrain

Who is He that from the grave
Comes to succor, help and save?
Who is He that from His throne
Rules thro' all the world alone?


Merry Christmas!

DEFINITIONS:  

Succor: Something that you do or give to help someone who is suffering or in a difficult situation

SOURCES:  

NET HYMNAL
WIKIPEDIA
HYMNARY.ORG

THEN SINGS MY SOUL BOOK 3 by Robert J. Morgan

CHRISTMAS HYMN: What Child Is This?

 

William Chatterton Dix wrote over 40 hymns in the course of his life, including several Christmas carols. He was the son of a surgeon and author, and grew up to be the manager of a marine insurance company in Scotland. But, his heart was in the written word - the poetry of worship.

As we get ready to celebrate Christmas, we can be thankful for the hymns that help us focus on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, including this one written by Dix...

WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

Words by:  William C. Dix, 1865

Music:  16th Century English Melody, Greensleeves

What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Luke 2:7 - And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

CHRISTMAS HYMN: He Is Born

Micah 5:2 - "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

HE IS BORN

A traditional French Carol

Translated into English by George K. Evans in 1963

Refrain

He is born, the holy Child,
Play the oboe and bagpipes merrily!
He is born, the holy Child,
Sing we all of the Savior mild.

Through long ages of the past,
Prophets have foretold His coming;
Through long ages of the past,
Now the time has come at last!

Refrain

O how lovely, O how pure
Is this perfect Child of heaven;
O how lovely, O how pure
Gracious gift to humankind!

Refrain

Jesus, Lord of all the world,
Coming as a Child among us,
Jesus, Lord of all the world,
Grant to us Thy heavenly peace.

Refrain

HYMN: Hidden Peace

Today's hymn talks about the peace we can have when we know Christ and are abiding in Him. John S. Brown wrote this hymn in 1899. It is one of two that is known to be written by him, but there is no other information.

The hymn goes along with a blog post I wrote five years ago about a woman who wanted to know, "Where is the peace Christians talk about? What would it be like if I ever did have it?" You can read that old blog post here:

OLD POST:

PEACE BE WITH YOU

Also, read through the hymn below and you will see how it coincides with that old post. 

HYMN:

HIDDEN PEACE

Words by:  John S. Brown

Music by:  L.O. Brown

I cannot tell thee whence it came,

This peace within my breast;
But this I know, there fills my soul
A strange and tranquil rest. 

Refrain 
 There’s a deep, settled peace in my soul,
There’s a deep, settled peace in my soul,
Tho’ the billows of sin near me roll,
He abides, Christ abides.

Beneath the toil and care of life,

This hidden stream flows on;
My weary soul no longer thirsts,
Nor am I sad and lone.

Refrain

I cannot tell the half of love,

Unfeigned, supreme, divine,
That caused my darkest inmost self
With beams of hope to shine.

Refrain

I cannot tell thee why He chose

To suffer and to die,
But if I suffer here with Him
I’ll reign with Him on high.

Refrain 

Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  (NIV)

HYMN: Great is Thy Faithfulness

 

Today's hymn, GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS, is a special hymn to me and my husband, David for various reasons...

1.  It is David's favorite hymn. 

2.  It is the hymn our family and friends all sang together at our wedding.

3.  It is the theme song of the college we attended in Chicago:  Moody Bible Institute.  It was sung at many school functions and, let me tell you, hearing the echoing voices sing this hymn in a large auditorium, or at Moody Church, is something neither of us will ever forget.

So, yes, it is a special hymn to us. But, there is another reason that makes it special. Have you ever paid attention to the words? They are based on Lamentations 3:22-23:

The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

What an encouraging verse! It tells us how loving our God is, and how faithful He is to those who trust in Him. It tells us our God cares about us, and will bless us on a daily basis, if we only take the time to look for those blessings.

The author of the poem-turned-hymn is Thomas Obadiah Chisholm. He was born in Franklin, KY, in a log cabin, became a teacher at the age of 16, accepted the Lord as his Savior in his late twenties, and became a Pastor at the age of 36. This poem/hymn came from his desire to express the faithfulness of God in his life - as well as in ALL of our lives...

 GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

Words by:  Thomas O. Chisholm - 1923

Music by:  William M. Runyan

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided --
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! 

Refrain

SOURCES:  

The Story Behind The Song

The Story Behind "Great is Thy Faithfulness"

HYMN: How Great Thou Art

My father-in-law's favorite hymn is HOW GREAT THOU ART, which is a classic, popular hymn loved by many. 'Dad' has been involved with the Boy Scouts for many years, and is an obvious lover of the outdoors, so I can see why he likes this hymn. The words are so descriptive and magnificent. They give a musical picture of the great outdoors, and of the world our God created. 

The words were originally written by Rev. Carl Boberg, a Swedish Lutheran minister, in 1885. It is believed he was inspired by the beauty of his homeland.

Stuart Hine, a missionary who was serving in the Ukraine, came across the Russian translation of the hymn in 1927. He sang it in Russian for a few years, then translated 3 verses into English. Then, during WWII, he returned to England and took the translated hymn with him. Its popularity grew in 1948 when a 4th verse was added and the hymn was published in a religious magazine published by Hine. Then, in 1954, it was sung by the famous gospel singer, GEORGE BEVERLY SHEA, which increased its popularity even more.

Psalm 19:1 - The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

HOW GREAT THOU ART

Original words by:  Rev. Carl Boberg

English translated version: Stuart K. Hine

Music:  Swedish folk melody


O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder

Consider all the works Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed,


Refrain:
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!


When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;


Refrain


And when I think that God, His Son not sparing

Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin;


Refrain


When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!
 

MAIN SOURCE:  ONLINE HYMNAL


 

HYMN: My Country 'Tis of Thee

With Veteran's Day coming up on Tuesday, I think this patriotic hymn is a fitting one to focus on for this Sunday. It was written in 1831 by Samuel F. Smith while he was a theological student studying in Germany. It only took him 30 minutes to write the words (and the music came from the melody of the United Kingdom's national anthem.)

The hymn was first performed at an Independence Day celebration in 1831, and was later sung as one of America's national anthems before "The Star Spangled Banner" was adopted in 1931.

Thank you to all the Veterans who have served our country and sacrificed your time for our freedom. God bless you all!

MY COUNTRY 'TIS OF THEE

(a.k.a. "AMERICA")

Words by Samuel Francis Smith 

My country, 'tis of thee, 
Sweet land of Liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrim's pride!
From ev'ry mountain side,
Let freedom ring! 

My native country thee,

Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love.
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture thrills,
Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,

And ring from all the trees,
Sweet freedom's song.
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.

Our fathers' God, to Thee,

Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright,
With freedom's holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King!

HYMN: Rock of Ages

There are many hymns that have been written around the Lord being our rock. Here are just a few of them (click on each title to see the words):

1. Build On the Rock
2. Builded On the Rock
3. Built On the Rock
4. Honey in the Rock
5. Mighty Rock, Whose Towering Form
6. O God, the Rock of Ages
7. Praise the Rock of Our Salvation
8. The Sheltering Rock

But, I think the most popular of all the hymn that speak about our "Rock" is the classic hymn Rock of Ages, written by Augustus M. Toplady in 1776. The words to this hymn came to him when he was taking refuge among some limestone rocks in England, during a violent thunderstorm. The rocks kept him safe from the storm. Likewise, trusting in the Lord gives us great confidence in knowing we can take refuge among the strongest Rock of all - Jesus Christ.

ROCK OF AGES

Words by:  Augusts M. Toplady - 1776 

Music by:  Thomas Hastings

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
[originally When my eye-strings break in death]
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

HYMN: Make Me A Blessing / Be A Blessing Today

Let's go back to October 2009, five years ago. It was towards the beginning of cold and flu season, and I wrote a post that gave several suggestions on how to be a blessing to those who are not feeling well. Check out that blog post here:

BE A BLESSING TODAY

Along with that blog post, I also included a hymn that was written by Ira B. Wilson in 1905. The original title of the hymn was "Out in the Highways and Byways of Life" but it has since been changed to "Make Me A Blessing." This hymn will be our hymn of focus for this Sunday.

I wasn't able to find any information about this hymn, other than the author being a composer who was taught music at home by his sister, and later became a student at The Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.

I like the hymn because it reminds me to let my light shine so that others will see Jesus in me.

Matthew 5:16 -  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (ESV)

Make Me A Blessing

(click on the title above to hear the tune)

Words by Ira B. Wilson

Music by George S. Schuler

Out in the highways and byways of life,

many are weary and sad;

Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife

making the sorrowing glad.

 

Refrain:

Make me a blessing,

Make me a blessing,

Out of my life

May Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, O savior, I pray,

Make me a blessing to someone today.

 

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love;

Tell of His pow'r to forgive;

Others will trust Him if only you prove

true ev'ry moment you live.

 

Refrain

 

Give as 'twas given to you in your need;

Love as the Master loved you;

Be to the helpless a helper indeed;

Unto your mission be true.

 

Refrain

HYMN: Day By Day / Does God Give Us More Than We Can Handle?

I'm going to use two of my old posts to talk about today's hymn. First, click over to this post I wrote three years ago: 

DOES GOD GIVE US MORE THAN WE CAN HANDLE?

Then, come back here to read more about the hymn below...

2 Corinthians 12:9 -  And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

DAY BY DAY

By: Karolina Sandell

 

Day by day and with each passing moment,

Strength I find to meet my trials here;

Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,

I've no cause for worry or for fear.

He whose heart is kind beyond all measure

Gives unto each day what He deems best,

Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Ev'ry day the Lord Himself is near me

With a special mercy for each hour;

All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,

He whose name is Counsellor and Pow'r.

The protection of His child and treasure

Is a charge that on Himself He laid;

"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"

This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in ev'ry tribulation

So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,

That I lose not faith's sweet consolation

Offered me within Thy holy word.

Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting;

E'er to take, as from a father's hand,

One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,

Till I reach the promised land.

To read about the author's meaning behind this hymn, click here to another post I wrote four years ago:
 

DAY BY DAY

 

HYMN: There's A Race For Us To Run - Hallelujah

I had never heard of this hymn before now, and I couldn't find any information about its background, but I found it as I was looking up some other hymns. It was under the category of  "encouragement for running the race," and is based on Hebrews 12:1-2.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Click on the title below and enjoy listening to it. It has an upbeat and catchy tune. Maybe it will help give you the pep you need to keep running the race for the Lord...

There's A Race for Us to Run - Hallelujah

Words:  J.I.

Music:  William A. Ogden

 There’s a race for us to run—Hallelujah,

  And a way for us the race to win.

To all those who have begun—Hallelujah,

  God has spoken, “Look away to Him!”

 

Refrain:

Look away! O look away!

Look to Jesus now today!

Look away from everything unto Jesus,

Look away from everything to Him!

 

Look away from all around—Hallelujah,

  Look away from all the strife and din;

Look away where peace is found—Hallelujah,

  Look away from everything to Him.

 

Look away from fickle soul—Hallelujah,

  Look away from failing self within;

Look away toward the goal—Hallelujah,

  Look away from everything to Him.

Look away from all the past—Hallelujah,

  Look away from both the good and sin;

To the living One hold fast—Hallelujah,

  Look away from everything to Him.

Look away into His face—Hallelujah,

  He who’ll finish what He did begin.

O what grace to run the race—Hallelujah—

  We obtain by looking off to Him!

HYMN: Because He Lives

My grandma's birthday is tomorrow, and she would have been 95 years old. So, in honor of her, I am sharing her favorite hymn today...

This is a newer hymn, written in 1971 by Bill and Gloria Gaither. The words came after the birth of their 3rd son. The couple had been going through a difficult time with health issues, family issues, and world happenings. Gloria was distraught over bringing their baby into this crazy, messed up world. But, the Lord gave her reassurance and these words were written to share with others. These words give us encouragement and remind us of the hope we have in Christ despite the difficulties and uncertain days we face...

BECAUSE HE LIVES

By:  William and Gloria Gaither, 1971

(The 1974 Dove Awards song of the year)

 

God sent His Son - they called Him Jesus.

He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

 

Chorus
Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He hold the future
And life is worth the living - just because He lives.

 

How sweet to hold a newborn baby
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance;
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

Chorus

And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory and - I'll know He lives.

Chorus

John 14:19 "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. (NKJV)

 

Matthew 28:6 - "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."

 

HYMN: 'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

For today's hymn, I want to take you back to an old post I wrote four years ago. Click here to read it:

DIFFERENT PATHS IN LIFE

 

At the end of the post, you will see a video of TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS, sung by Casting Crowns. It is a beautiful hymn, written by a young missionary in 1882 who wrote the words shortly after she watched her husband die while trying to rescue a young boy from drowning. Here are the words:

 

TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS

By:  Louisa M.R. Stead

 

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

 

Refrain

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

 

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

 

Refrain

 

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

 

Refrain

 

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

 

Refrain

 

 



 



HYMN: Lord, Speak to Me

Frances Havergal was the youngest daughter of a hymn writer in England. She was very intelligent, reading at the age of 4, and writing poems at the age of 7. She followed in her father's footsteps by becoming a deeply spiritual hymn writer, and also wrote several devotional books.

This hymn was written in 1872 as a help to those who minister in the church. It is written like a prayer, and I especially like the last verse, as it is a prayer of my own heart that the Lord will use ME wherever He sees fit to do so.  

 

LORD, SPEAK TO ME

1872 – Frances R. Havergal

 

Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou has sought, so let me seek
Thine erring children lost and lone.

 

O lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wandering and the wavering feet;
O feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Thy hungering ones with manna sweet.

 

O strengthen me, that while I stand
Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand
To wrestlers with the troubled sea.

 

O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

 

O give Thine own sweet rest to me,
That I may speak with soothing power
A word in season, as from Thee,
To weary ones in needful hour.

 

O fill me with Thy fullness, Lord,
Until my very heart overflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.

 

O use me, Lord, use even me,

Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where,

Until Thy blessèd face I see,

Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.

 

~~~

 

Two verses that go along with this hymn

Ephesians 6:20 - For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

 

2 Corinthians 1:4 - Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

 

HYMN: What A Friend We Have in Jesus

John 15:13 - Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.

Proverbs 18:24 - A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (NKJV)

It is hard to go through difficult times in our lives - illnesses, betrayals, fears, deaths, and so on - but, even in our grief-stricken loneliness, the Lord can use our circumstances to help bring encouragement and support to others. One example comes from Joseph M. Scriven, a natural born Irishman who later moved to Canada. When his mother became ill, and he could not return home to Ireland to be with her, he wrote her a poem to encourage her in her time of distress. He never would have been able to write these words if he had not understood what it was like to share his sorrows with the Lord. In fact, great sorrow encompassed his life through the loss of two different special ladies (whom he was engaged to be married to). It was his faith in Jesus Christ that helped get him through his grief. 

Joseph's poem to his mother was never intended to become a hymn, but it's definitely a memorable one that is still loved by many today.

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

Words by:  Joseph M. Scriven

Music by:  Charles C. Converse

 

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

 

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

 

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

 

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear

May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.

Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer

Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

 

 

For more information, you can watch a 10-minute video on You Tube about Joseph Scriven and THE STORY BEHIND THE HYMN.