Today's hymn may be unfamiliar, but it is worth singing. The text has made our "hymn wall" in our home.
The focus of this hymn is God's sovereignty and is arguably the finest hymn ever written on the providence of God.
As I first read the text, I realized that I was very familiar with it, but didn't recall the tune in the link above. There are many other tunes you can sing it too. I think I remember singing it to the music linked here. The tune for this week is fairly easy to pick up. I linked to a simple piano rendition for you to listen and sing along to.
The focus of this hymn is God's sovereignty and is arguably the finest hymn ever written on the providence of God.
As I first read the text, I realized that I was very familiar with it, but didn't recall the tune in the link above. There are many other tunes you can sing it too. I think I remember singing it to the music linked here. The tune for this week is fairly easy to pick up. I linked to a simple piano rendition for you to listen and sing along to.
The truths in this text are simply stated, but are of utmost importance in the sovereignty of God and the comfort and peace He gives His people to trust Him. When you understand that the author was a severely depressed man, the text is even more meaningful. A British hymnologist (Erik Routley) compared this hymn to a Rembrandt painting - its dark background sets off the bright light of truth in the foreground. Remind your children (and yourself) that even though the background of life may be dark, the light of the Gospel of Truth will shine brightly (especially with all the craziness of our world)!
I would pick one verse to memorize. Or you may want to just sit down and read the entire text to your family without singing it. My favorite stanza is this:
"Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
but trust Him for His grace;
behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face."
I would pick one verse to memorize. Or you may want to just sit down and read the entire text to your family without singing it. My favorite stanza is this:
"Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
but trust Him for His grace;
behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face."
Fun Facts
Text: William Cowper (1731-1800)
- pronounced "cooper"
- a British Romantic poet and the only one who also wrote hymns
- he struggled with severe depression and God specifically used John Newton (who wrote "Amazing Grace") to come alongside of Cowper and be his friend. Together, they put together the Olney Hymns.
Tune: DUNDEE
- From the Scottish Psalter, 1615
- It is written in a French style and is sometimes called FRENCH
Remember to order you copy of the hymnal we are singing through if you still need a hymnal!
Things to think about ...
- Talk to your children about difficult times (James 1:2-4) and that God brings these difficulties to produce faith, steadfastness, and hope in our lives
- God's providence is hard. We cannot understand it, but that is ok. Teach your children or others around you through an example of trusting God's ways...believing His ways are better. Proclaim truth in the good times, but even more so in the difficult times. When you are in difficulty, tell your children that God is trustworthy. Plead with Him to help you to trust Him. He does all things well.
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