DOES JESUS CARE (TH/PEACE #1)

        Worldwide we are being attacked by a new virus that is drastically changing our lives.  Stores, businesses, schools and churches are closed and we are generally confined to our homes waiting to see if we develop any symptoms of this deadly virus.  Many of us are facing stress, fear, anxiety and loneliness.

          What can we do about it?  Obviously we can follow the recommendations of the experts about hand washing, cleaning items, adequate separation from others, etc.  But as Christians we need to take advantage of this new available time to read our Bibles and pray.  There is nothing new about this suggestion, but unfortunately it is often forgotten.  But God wants to comfort us and lead us in the good times and the bad.  We just need to listen and obey.

          Now one of the best helps that I have been using is listening to Gospel music.  There are lessons to be learned and emotions to be calmed through good Christian music.  As I've been experiencing this I have been led to change the direction of my hymn blog, at least for a few weeks.  I want to share some of the hymns which have spoken to me.  Most of them have been shared here over the years.  But I feel led to share them again for our help as we face these new pressures today.

          Frank E. Graeff was a Methodist pastor who served several churches around Philadelphia.  It is said that he was a special friend to children and an encouragement to everyone who knew him. Graeff was known by many as the "sunshine minister".  By the way, why not be an encourager in these difficult times.  People around you need encouragement and you'll be surprised how much you will benefit from doing this.  

          But the sunshine minister also went through some severe testing experiences and resulting periods of despondency. It was while passing through one of these tests that he became very despondent, full of doubt and full of physical agony. Turning to the scriptures for solace and strength he found that I Peter 5:7 spoke to his need. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you." This was the inspiration that led him to pen the words of the great hymn "Does Jesus Care?" Each one of the verses of Graeff's hymn asks some intensely personal and important questions, and the answer is always "Oh yes, He cares." 

          So today does Jesus care when we are confined to our home because of this virus?  Does Jesus care when we lose our job because of the virus?  Does He care when we lose our savings because the stock market crashes?  Does He care when we have symptoms of he virus?  Does He care when family members or friends develop the virus?  Does He care when we develop the virus and then the deadly pneumonia?  As Graeff wrote, "Oh yes, He cares."

          May each of us remember that truth as today we face the unknown.  And may we learn to trust the Lord and the path He has prepared for us.  God is good, all the time!.

(1)     Does Jesus care when my heart is pained

Too deeply for mirth or song,

As the burdens press, and the cares distress

And the way grows weary and long?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

(2)     Does Jesus care when my way is dark

With a nameless dread and fear?

As the daylight fades into deep night shades,

Does He care enough to be near?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

(3)     Does Jesus care when I've tried and failed

To resist some temptation strong;

When for my deep grief there is no relief,

Though my tears flow all the night long?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

(4)     Does Jesus care when I've said "goodbye"

To the dearest on earth to me,

And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,

Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

Listen to it here.   CARE

GOD IS IN CONTROL

          The world that we live in is suddenly facing many major changes.  All of us are having to make major adjustments in our lives. Our lives have been disrupted.  We don't know what a day will bring. And with that in mind I have decided to make some changes in this week's blog in hopes of encouraging us during these very difficult days. I am featuring a rather new song that you may never have heard before.  But I believe it is a reminder that we all need.  The Lord has also provided us with many messages of encouragement in His Word for times like these.  We need to claim them and avoid the anxiety and panic that can fill our lives.  Here are a few of them:  

Isaiah 14:24 

"The Lord Almighty has sworn, 'Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.'"

Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Psalm 46:1

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Philippians 4:6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Psalm 94:19

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." 

          In 2008 Jerry Bridges wrote the following in Decision Magazine:

"All people - believers in God as well as unbelievers - experience anxiety, frustration, heartache and disappointment. Some suffer intense physical pain and catastrophic tragedies. But what should distinguish the suffering of believers from unbelievers is the confidence that our suffering is under the control of an all-powerful and all-loving God; our suffering has meaning and purpose in God's eternal plan, and He brings or allows into our lives only what is for His glory and our good."

          Recently Twila Paris wrote a song about God being in control and I thought it might be helpful to share it this week.

This is no time for fear

This is a time for faith and determination

Don't lose the vision here

Carried away by the motion

Hold on to all that you hide in your heart

There is one thing that has always been true

It holds the world together

God is in control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken

God is in control

We will choose to remember and never be shaken

There is no power above or beside Him, we know

God is in control

History marches on

There is a bottom line drawn across the ages

Culture can make its plan

Oh, but the line never changes

No matter how the deception may fly

There is one thing that has always been true

It will be true forever

God is in control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken

God is in control

We will choose to remember and never be shaken

There is no power above or beside Him, we know

God is in control

He has never let you down

Why start to worry now? (2x)

He is still the Lord of all we see

And He is still the loving Father

Watching over you and me

Watching over you, watching over me

Watching over everything

Watching over you, watching over me

Every little sparrow, every little key, every little key

God is in control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken

God is in control

We will choose to remember and never be shaken

There is no power above or beside Him, we know

God is in control

You can listen to Twila sing it right here.   CONTROL

As part of our adjusting to new regulations, I had listed some thoughts and practical ideas on my weekly personal blog on Saturday, March 21.  You might find this blog helpful.  You can see it here.   BLOG

And remember - God is still in control!
Have a great week - keep safe!

YES I KNOW (TH)

TIMELESS HYMN  - Another revised and repeated blog of one of my favorite Gospel songs - Yes I Know - originally shared on May 9, 2010. 

          Recently I heard of a Christian family whose daughter had obviously sinned. The results of her sin were public because this single young lady could not hide her resulting appearance. As is too often the case in such situations, her parents received all sorts of unwanted advice from their "spiritual" friends. The advice included suggestions that they should disown their daughter to even suggesting that her father should resign his position in church. I am guessing that some even thought she should be made to confess her sin in front of the congregation. It is amazing how cold and harsh fellow Christians can be. These same Christians can gossip about the situation, but they don't see that as a sin - at least not a sin of the same seriousness. So often we can see the sins of others but not our own. And we can go on gossiping and thinking that some sins are worse than others – at least worse than ours. But sin is sin. And the scriptures remind us that all have sinned. Without Christ we are lost  and as some hymn writers have written, we are vile wretched people, without hope. But we know that Christ can make the vilest sinner clean – even the murderer, the drug pusher, and the gossip. Guy Penrod, formerly with the Gaither Vocal Band, wrote a gospel song that speaks to this fact. Hopefully you can relate to the words of this week's choice as you read the words below and listen to the Gaither Vocal Band on the link below.

(1) Come, ye sinners, lost and lonely,

Jesus' blood can make you free;

For He saved the worst among you,

When He saved a wretch like me.

And I know, yes, I know

Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean,

And I know, yes, I know

Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean.

(2) To the faint He giveth power,

Through the mountains makes a way;

Findeth water in the desert,

Turns the night to golden day.

And I know, yes, I know

Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean,

And I know, yes, I know

Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean.

(3) In temptation He is near thee,

Holds the pow'rs of hell at bay;

Guides you to the path of safety,

Gives you grace for every day.

And I know, yes, I know

Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean,

And I know, yes, I know

Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean.

Listen to it here  I KNOW

MY TIMES ARE IN THY HAND

         Sometimes life comes at us hard and unexpectedly.  We never know what a day will bring ... a serious accident ...  a change in employment ... a devastating physical diagnosis ... an unexpected bill ... a broken relationship ...  the death of a relative or friend ...  or even one of the simpler challenges that come our way so often.  We can become discouraged or depressed.  We wonder why.  We wonder if there is really any hope.  As hard as it might seem, in times like these we need to rely on the firm foundation that we have in Christ and remember that our times are really in His hand.  He is in control and we need to cast all of our care upon Him.  Romans 8:28 reminds us "that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose."  Actually I had never heard this week's song before until a friend recently sent it to me.  When I received it we had just learned of two serious medical problems and received two unexpected bills.  The words of the song reminded me of the truth of these scriptures.  One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 2:10 where we are reminded that "...we are his workmanship ...".  And I know that a perfect God would not create something defective or let it fall apart.  "My times are in Thy hand." Psalm 31:15.  It was William F. Lloyd (1791-1824) who penned this week's song in 1824.   Mr. Lloyd was involved in the work of the Sunday School, almost from its beginning. He was born about ten years after Robert Raikes began this ministry, and Lloyd was attracted to it since boyhood. He taught in a Sunday School, and wrote many books and curriculum materials for this group. He was later appointed as a secretary of the British Sunday School Union.   In 1851, Lloyd published a book of poems called Thoughts in Rhyme. In it was this little verse which sums up the faith behind the longer hymn we're looking at:

Each future scene to God I leave,

Enough for me to know,

He can from every evil save,

And every good bestow.

His song is a good reminder.  Are you living in the knowledge that your times are in His hand?  Do you leave your life, your friends and your soul entirely in His care?  Our Father's hand will never cause his child a needless tear.

1      My times are in thy hand;

my God, I wish them there;

my life, my friends, my soul, I leave

entirely to thy care.

2      My times are in thy hand,

whatever they may be;

pleasing or painful, dark or bright,

as best may seem to thee.

3      My times are in thy hand;

why should I doubt or fear?

My Father's hand will never cause

his child a needless tear.

4      My times are in thy hand,

Jesus the Crucified;

those hands my cruel sins had pierced

are now my guard and guide.

5.     My times are in Thy hand,

I'll always trust in Thee;

And, after death, at Thy right hand

I shall forever be.

You can listen to it here.    HAND

ON EAGLE'S WINGS

         "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31.  Each morning I read these words on a plaque hanging on our wall at home.  I am reminded of the beautiful eagles which soar through the skies with apparent ease.  Then I am reminded that God provides the strength for us to soar above the many problems of this life.  What a beautiful and comforting picture.  Composer Father Jan Michael Joncas wrote this week's song after he and a friend, Doug Hall, returned from a meal to learn that Hall's father had died of a heart attack. Joncas doesn't recall if he ever met Hall's father, but he remembers wanting somehow to console his friend. "I knew this was a hard, hard experience in anybody's life, and I just wanted to create something that would be both prayerful and then comforting,"  In the days preceding Hall's father's wake, Joncas returned to his parents' house and composed the song on his guitar, sketching out a melody line and accompanying chords. The hymn debuted at the wake.  He didn't pay much attention to the hymn after that, but he became aware that the song was gaining popularity outside Catholic circles when his publisher forwarded him requests from other denominations to reproduce the song. Then, following the 1995 bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Cathy Keating, the governor's wife, requested that "On Eagle's Wings" be played at a memorial for those killed.  Much of the inspiration for the writing of this song comes from Psalm 91. Today many of us may be more familiar with the chorus then the words of the verses. But together they provide us with a needed reminder of the Lord's care and protection in our lives. What a beautiful picture of the Lord's care. "This I declare about the Lord: - He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;  He is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly diseases He will cover you with his feathers.  He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection."  (Psalm 91:2-4)  Rest in this truth this week.

1.     You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,

Who abide in His shadow for life,

Say to the Lord, "My Refuge,

My Rock in Whom I trust." 

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

2.     The snare of the fowler will never capture you,

And famine will bring you no fear;

Under His Wings your refuge,

His faithfulness your shield.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

3.     You need not fear the terror of the night,

Nor the arrow that flies by day,

Though thousands fall about you,

Near you it shall not come.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

4.     For to His angels He's given a command,

To guard you in all of your ways,

Upon their hands they will bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

5.     For to His angels He's given a command

to guard you in all of your ways;

upon their hands they will bear you up,

lest you dash your foot against a stone

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

Listen to it here    EAGLES

I HAVE TO DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS

        Most of us probably grew up singing this simple song, possibly at a summer camp or youth rally.  It actually was made popular by the Billy Graham crusades.  But it has become controversial and has been eliminated from numerous hymnbooks. Due to the lyrics' focus on the believer's own commitment, some cite it as a prime example of decision theology, emphasizing the human response rather than the action of God in giving faith.   For others, it is a song celebrating the simplicity of conversion, simple and sincere.  But when you know the story behind the song, you realize that it is not a statement about free will, nor about the ease of placing your faith in Christ. it actually stands as a monument to the international nature of the gospel, as well as a call to suffer and die with Jesus. It was written by Simon Marak, from Jorhat, Assam. The lyrics are based on the last words of Nokseng, a Garo man, a tribe from Meghalaya which then was in Assam. He, along with his family, decided to follow Jesus Christ in the middle of the 19th century through the efforts of an American Baptist missionary. Called to renounce his faith by the village chief, the convert declared, "I have decided to follow Jesus." His two children were killed. In response to threats to his wife, he continued, "Though no one join me, still I will follow." His wife was killed, and he was executed while singing, "The world behind me, the cross before me." This display of faith is reported to have led to the conversion of the chief and others in the village. Such fierce opposition was possible because various tribes in that area were formerly known for headhunting.  The writing of this hymn is credited to the Indian missionary Sadhu Sundar Singh. The melody is also Indian, and entitled "Assam" after the region where the text originated.   An American hymn editor, William Jensen Reynolds, composed the arrangement which we are familiar with today.   So as you sing this song in the future remember that it does not not capture the ease of making a decision, but rather it is about the staggering cost of picking up your cross and following after Christ.   Reflect on this throughout the coming week.  Could you or would you make the same public decision as Nokseng did?

1    I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

no turning back, no turning back.

2    Though none go with me, I still will follow;

though none go with me, I still will follow;

though none go with me, I still will follow;

no turning back, no turning back.

3    The world behind me, the cross before me;

the world behind me, the cross before me;

the world behind me, the cross before me;

no turning back, no turning back.

Listen to it here.   DECIDED

       or   STORY

AND CAN IT BE? (TH)

TIMELESS HYMN - A special feature where I highlight some of my favorite hymns that I have previously featured in this blog.  These entries are revised and expanded and shared again for your encouragement and challenge. This hymn was originally shared here on February 15, 2009.

          Valentine's Day is a time when thoughts turn to love.  Fortunate is the one who has a friend here on earth to love.  But the source of love is God himself who sent His only Son, Jesus, to this earth to die for us.  Such amazing love - how can it be!  There are so many great hymns written about love.  But how could there be one more powerful than this one written by Charles Wesley. Charles, founder of the movement known as Methodism, and his brother John, were ordained as priests in the Church of England in 1735. However, three years later, on the evening of May 21, 1738, reportedly after prolonged Bible reading, he wrote: "At midnight I gave myself to Christ, assured that I was safe, whether sleeping or waking. I had the continual experience of His power to overcome all temptation, and I confessed with joy and surprise that He was able to do exceedingly abundantly for me above what I can ask or think." Another writer stated that he recorded in his journal, "I now found myself at peace with God, and rejoiced in hope of loving Christ. I saw that by faith I stood." Two days later, his journal reported that he had begun writing a hymn. This hymn is thought to be "And Can It Be" because of the vivid testimony of stanza four. This hymn and "Where Shall My Wondering Soul Begin" were the first of the 6000 plus hymns that he wrote. It is also reported that his brother John sang a hymn on his own conversion to "vital religion" three days later. Although it was not stated what hymn it was, many think it might have also been "And Can It Be".  What powerful words that clearly express the Gospel and then ask "how can it be that thou my God should die for me! "  Worship with me this week as we meditate upon these words and sing and thank God for His amazing love expressed in this great hymn.

(1.)     And can it be that I should gain

An interest in the Savior's blood?

Died He for me who caused His pain!

For me who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be That

Thou, my God, should die for me?

Chorus: Amazing love! How can it be

That Thou, my God, should die for me!

Amazing love! How can it be

That Thou, my God, should die for me!

(2.)    He left His Father's throne above,

So free, so infinite His grace!

Emptied Himself of all but love,

And bled for Adam's helpless race.

'Tis mercy all, immense and free,

For O my God, it found out me!

Chorus: Amazing love! How can it be

That Thou, my God, should die for me!

Amazing love! How can it be

That Thou, my God, should die for me!

(3.)    Long my imprisoned spirit lay,

Fast bound in sin and nature's night;

Thine eye diffused a quickening ray;

I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

Chorus: Amazing love! How can it be

That Thou, my God, should die for me!

Amazing love! How can it be

That Thou, my God, should die for me!

(4.)    No condemnation now I dread;

Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;

Alive in Him, my living Head,

And clothed in righteousness divine,

Bold I approach the eternal throne,

And claim the crown, through Christ my own

Chorus: Amazing love! How can it be

That Thou, my God, should die for me!

Amazing love! How can it be

That Thou, my God, should die for me!

Listen to a great presentation of this hymn.   AMAZING

HALLELUJAH SQUARE

          The older we become the more common it is to see our good friends and relatives deal with difficult physical challenges.  Many have knee and hip replacements.  Many are dealing with arthritis and using canes and walkers.  Some have heart problems, strokes and lung problems.   Many are dealing with diabetes.  Many die too early in life.  But then we become part of the same group with our own physical challenges.  Often they come on so unexpectedly and our lives change.  I often ask, how did I get this old this fast?  It just happens!  But for the believer there is coming a time when there will no longer be pain or aches or headaches or the need for canes or even doctors.  Someday those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ will meet in heaven, Hallelujah Square, where all will be healed and perfect with new bodies. And that is the theme of this week's song choice written by Roy Claxton Acuff (1903 - 1992).  Now while I've included this song in my blog because of its encouragement, I do have two concerns about it.  First the words are not correct. "I'll see all my friends in Hallelujah Square, what a wonderful time we'll all have up there."  ... "we'll all live forever in Hallelujah Square! ".  Not true!  All of our friends might not be there, just those who are born again and have their names written in the Lamb's Book of Life.  Will you be there?  My second problem is that I have found no evidence that the writer was a believer or that he even wrote other hymns.  The author was known as the "King of Country Music"  He gained fame as the singer and fiddler for his group, the Smoky Mountain Boys. He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1938,  Acuff and Fred Rose founded Acuff-Rose Music, the first major Nashville-based country music publishing company,   But, as I said, I could find no information about his spiritual life.  Did the words of this song have any real meaning to him?  I don't know.  But the message of the song probably spoke to the crowds who were facing their many physical challenges.  For believers the words provide comfort and hope.   For them there is coming a day of healing and rejoicing in "Hallelujah Square". "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am"  John 14:3   "'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."   Revelation 21:4.  I am looking forward to that time when I will be cancer and pain free and with other saints will be rejoicing around the Father's throne.  What about you?

1.     I saw a blind man tapping along, losing his way,
as he passed through the throng

Tears filled my eyes, I said, "

Friend you can't see," but, with a smile on his face,
he replied to me

I'll see all my friends in Hallelujah Square,
what a wonderful time we'll all have up there

We'll sing and praise Jesus,
His glory to share, and you'll not see
one blind man in Hallelujah Square

2.     Now, I saw a cripple dragging his feet,
he couldn't walk like we do down the street

I said, "My friend, I feel sorry for you,"
but he said, "Up in Heaven, I'm gonna walk just like you."

I'll see all my friends in Hallelujah Square,
what a wonderful time we'll all have up there

We'll sing and praise Jesus,
His glory to share, and you'll

not see one cripple in Hallelujah Square

3.     And I saw an old man, gasping for breath,
soon he'd be gone,

as his eyes closed in death

He looked at me and said, "

Friend don't look so blue, for I'm going up to Heaven,
now how about you?"

I'll see all my friends in Hallelujah Square,
what a wonderful time we'll all have up there

We'll sing and praise Jesus, His glory to share,
and we'll all live forever in Hallelujah Square!

Listen to it here.   HALLELUJAH

LEAD KINDLY LIGHT

        Have you ever been lost?  It is a frightening experience.  I remember when I was about 14 that a group of us hiked through the woods to climb a tower.  When we were done we decided to leave the path on which we had come and try to take a "short cut" through the woods.  It was fun until we realized that our sense of direction had failed and we weren't reaching our destination.  We were scared.  But finally we came to a highway and realized that we were about two miles from our destination.  And we were able to follow the road and return safely - but tired and thankful.  But we don't need to be in a woods to get lost in our lives.  It is easy to wander away from the truth and the Lord.  We decide to lean upon our own intelligence and our own wants and before we know it we are lost and without hope.  And then we suddenly realize that it is dark and we are far from home.  But when we call upon our Father, He will "lead me home in childlike faith, home to my God."  And that is the message of this hymn which was written in 1833 by John Henry Newman as a poem titled "the Pillar and the Cloud".  Newman was 33 years old when he found himself on a boat from the Sicilian city of Palermo to Marseille, France. Newman, who was recovering after being dangerously ill with a fever, was on the boat to return to start the trip back to his native England when he penned the lyrics to "Lead, Kindly Light."  The fact that he was recovering from a frightening illness in the middle of the sea gives some insight to the lyrics:

Lead, kindly Light, amid th'encircling gloom; Lead thou me on!

"The night is dark, and I am far from home; Lead thou me on!

Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see

The distant scene - one step enough for me."

His hymn kater became very popular and was sung in many interesting situations. Newman's hymn was sung by a soloist, Marion Wright, on the RMS Titanic during a hymn sing gathering shortly before the ocean liner struck an iceberg on April 14, 1912.  The hymn was also sung aboard one of the Titanic's lifeboats when the rescue ship Carpathia was sighted the following morning.  Lead, Kindly Light was sung by British troops to the accompaniment of nearby artillery fire on the Western Front during the First World War at services held before going into the trenches the following day.  While the hymn is no longer sung very often today, the truth and message have not changed. Maybe today you feel lost and discouraged in your daily life.  Maybe you are fearful or discouraged or maybe even depressed.  Maybe you feel far from home. Then call upon Jesus who will be your guide, strength and comfort amid the encircling gloom in your life.  Lead kindly light!

1      Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom,

lead thou me on;

the night is dark, and I am far from home;

lead thou me on.

Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see

the distant scene; one step enough for me.

2      I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou

shouldst lead me on;

I loved to choose and see my path; 

but now lead thou me on.

I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,

pride ruled my will: remember not past years.

3      So long thy power hath blest me, 

sure it still will lead me on,

o'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, 

till the night is gone,

and with the morn those angel faces smile,

which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.

4.     Meantime, along the narrow rugged path,

Thyself hast trod,

Lead, Saviour, lead me home in childlike faith,

Home to my God.

To rest forever after earthly strife

In the calm light of everlasting life.

Listen to it here.    LIGHT