HE HIDETH MY SOUL (October 26, 2008) "I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by." Exodus 33:22. Years ago we visited Stone Mountain, in Georgia, and there we saw the impressive carving in the mountain that took many years to complete. We were told how it was so large that when storms suddenly developed, the workers would just walk into the eyes or other parts of the carving for protection. There was safety for them in the "cleft of the rock". The great blind hymn writer, Fanny Crosby (1820-1915), never saw this rock that gave the workers protection from the storms, but she knew of the real Rock, Jesus Christ, who protected and kept her. William J. Kirkpatrick is said to have written the music for many of the poems that Fanny wrote. But in this case it is said that the tune apparently came first. He gave her the tune and asked her to put words to it and, with Exodus 23:22 and her own life experiences as a background, she penned in 1890 these words. And over many years they have comforted and encouraged so many of us during our storms of life. Fanny wrote and published thousands of beautiful hymns, many that are still sung today. Regarding her plight in life, she wrote the following words: "It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank Him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow, I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me." What an amazing perspective. Personally I have not dealt with any physical problems as serious as permanent blindness, but the last two years have been challenging for me. Three major surgeries, two additional hospitalizations, and a rare blood condition that has been very difficult to cure have made me more dependent than ever on my wonderful Savior. He daily hides me in the depths of his love and covers me there with His hand. That has been my experience and hope. When my computer comes on it shows a beautiful picture of a mother dove protecting her two babies with her wings. Accompanying it are the words from Psalm 91:4, "He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection." Is this your experience and testimony? It should be and could be if you put your trust in Jesus. We live in a desperate and evil world but there is One who will protect us and keep us and take our burdens upon Him, while giving us the strength we need for our day. What a wonderful Savior!
1 A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
A wonderful Savior to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
Where rivers of pleasure I see.
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
that shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.
2 A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
He taketh my burden away;
He holdeth me up and I shall not be moved,
He giveth me strength as my day.
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
that shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.
3 With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,
And, filled with His fulness divine,
I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God,
For such a Redeemer as mine!
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
that shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.
4 When clothed in His brightness, transported I rise
To meet Him in clouds of the sky,
His perfect salvation, His wonderful love,
I'll shout with the millions on high.
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
that shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.
Here are two excellent renditions of this Timeless Hymn for you to enjoy.
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