HIDING IN THEE

        "Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah" . Psalms 32:7.  "Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word."  Psalms 119:114.  William O. Cushing (1823-1902) was a successful pastor for over twenty years in the eastern area of the United States. Following the death of his wife in 1870, ill health forced his retirement from the active ministry. During this time he became intensely interested in hymn writing and wrote more than three hundred hymns, cooperating with such gospel musicians as Ira Sankey, Robert Lowry, George Root, and others. Cushing also had serious trouble with his voice, meaning that he probably could not sing his own hymns out loud, but only in his heart.  Concerning this hymn, Cushing wrote,." It must be said of this hymn that it was the outgrowth of many tears, many heart-conflicts and soul-yearnings, of which the world can know nothing. The history of many battles is behind it. But the occasion which gave it being was the call of Mr. Sankey. He said, 'Send me something new to help me in my Gospel work'. A call from such a source, and for such a purpose, seemed a call from God. I so regarded it, and prayed, 'Lord, give me something that may glorify Thee'. It was while thus waiting that Hiding in Thee pressed to make itself known. Mr. Sankey called forth the tune, and by his genius gave the hymn wings, making it useful in the Master's work."  And since 1876 it has been a blessing and an encouragement to scores of people.  We've all experienced, like Cushing, those times of conflict and sorrow, those tempests of life.  But in those times of conflict, when pressed by the foe, we can find the strength and relief we need hidden in the great Rock of Ages.  William Cushing knew personally the sorrows and turmoil of life, but he also knew where he could find safety and rest-in the "blest Rock of Ages."  Hopefully this has been your experience.   When this hymn was first published, the author prefaced it with Psalm 31:2,  "Be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me."

1.     O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,

My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;

Alone I would perish, undone would I be;

Thou blest "Rock of Ages," I'm hiding in Thee.

Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,

Thou blest "Rock of Ages," I'm hiding in Thee.

I

2.     In the calm of the noontide, in sorrow's lone hour,

In times when temptation casts o'er me its pow'r;

In the tempests of life, on its wide, heaving sea,

Thou blest "Rock of Ages," I'm hiding in Thee.

Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,

Thou blest "Rock of Ages," I'm hiding in Thee.

3.     How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe,

I have fled to my Refuge and breathed out my woe;

How often, when trials like sea billows roll,

Have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul.

Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,

Thou blest "Rock of Ages," I'm hiding in Thee.

Listen to it here.    HIDING