NEARER MY GOD TO THEE

       The hymn "Nearer, My God, To Thee" was written in 1841 by Sarah Flower Adams, an English poet and Unitarian hymn writer.  The words  reflect both a desire to walk more closely with God and also the longing for either Jesus Christ to return or the desire to be in His presence.  
         Sarah Flower was born February 22, 1805 in Essex, England, the second daughter of Benjamin and Eliza Flower. She grew up in a home surrounded by poetry and song writing. Sarah married William Bridges Adams and moved to London where she attended the independent church of William Johnson Fox. She contributed thirteen hymns to his Hymns and Anthems collection, one of them being "Nearer, My God to Thee". 
        This hymn was written to follow the pastor's sermon on Genesis 28:11-19, known as the story of Jacob's ladder, or Jacob's dream. Sarah wrote the hymn in a week and her sister Eliza composed the tune. This hymn is often associated with the sinking of the RMS Titanic.  Some survivors later reported that the ship's string ensemble played the hymn as the vessel sank. For example, Violet Jessop said in her 1934 account of the disaster that she had heard the hymn being played.  Archibald Gracie IV, however, emphatically denied it in his own account written soon after the sinking. Wireless operator Harold Bride said that he had heard "Autumn" being played. So nobody really knows for sure.  
          Another story, surrounding the death of President William McKinley in September 1901, quotes his dying words as being the first few lines of the hymn. At 3:30 pm, in the afternoon of September 14,1901, after five minutes of silence across the nation, numerous bands across the United States played the hymn, McKinley's favorite, in his memory. It was also played by the Marine Band on Pennsylvania Avenue during the funeral procession through Washington and at the end of the funeral service itself,[ and at a memorial service for him in Westminster Abbey, London. 
          The hymn was also played as the body of assassinated President James Garfield was interred and at the funerals of former U.S. Presidents Warren G. Harding and Gerald R. Ford, and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands.  Not long after the writing of the hymn, Sarah's sister, Eliza, came down with tuberculosis.  Determined to nurse her, Sarah also came down with the disease as well, and both died at a relatively young age.  
          The hymn provides comfort for the dying and the bereaved.  It acknowledges the possibility of suffering but refuses to allow it to have the last word.  It says: "E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me; Still all my song shall be, nearer my God to Thee."

1.     Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me;

Still all my song shall be nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

2.     Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,

Darkness be over me, my rest a stone;

Yet in my dreams I'd be nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

3.     There let the way appear steps unto heav'n;

All that Thou sendest me in mercy giv'n;

Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

4.     Then with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,

Out of my stony griefs Bethel I'll raise;

So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

5.     Or if on joyful wing, cleaving the sky,

Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upwards I fly,

Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

A sixth verse was later added to the hymn by Edward Henry Bickersteth Jr. as follows:[1]

There in my Father's home, safe and at rest,

There in my Savior's love, perfectly blest;

Age after age to be, nearer my God to Thee,

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

Listen to it here.   NEARER

YOUR FAITHFULNESS (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 January 2, 2011.

          This is one of those songs that is made even more touching when you hear the story behind it. Here is what the author, Brian Doerksen, has said about its background. "This song began days before the birth of our sixth child, who was born in Kingston upon Thames, England, while we were living and working there. Several years before this, we had found out about "Fragile X syndrome," a permanent condition that was affecting our son, causing severe development delays and other big challenges. Knowing that the syndrome is passed genetically through the mother, and having four daughters and one son, we decided to take a 'step of faith' to try and have one more child. We were hoping and praying for a son who would not be affected with the syndrome. As the due date approached in June of '99, I found myself becoming more and more overwhelmed by the uncertainties of life, and I asked myself this simple question, "Is there anything I can count on in life?" As I began to pour out my heart at the piano, this song spilled out amid the tears with the assurance that there is only one thing we can really count on, even when we don't understand - the faithfulness of God. This song was initially used in Father's House, the Musical in London, in 2000 with different words in verse three. When I began to prepare for this recording, I decided it was right to include so I changed the words of verse three from a lyrical focus on the vision of Father's House, to a verse on our appointment with death. Actually the day I wrote the new words for verse three was the day after my car was totaled in an accident, and the day before I was booked to sing at the Seven Oaks Alliance Church in Abbotsford. That weekend one of the elders from that church had been killed in an accident, and the words about our appointment with death rang particularly true that Sunday morning. Our sixth child was a son, and we gave him the name "Isaiah Robert," which means "God is generous - Shining Fame." We found out recently that Isaiah has Fragile X Syndrome as well. The day we found out, my natural response was to resign from ministry and to focus all my energies on raising special needs children. Before that day was done, both Joyce and I felt God's leading not to resign, but to continue to move forward and minister with a 'limp', trusting God's faithfulness to carry us through." As each of us face the future, we face it not knowing what tomorrow may bring. It may be filled with pain and suffering. It may be disappointing. But there is one thing that is as certain as the rivers reach the sea and as certain as the sunrise in the east. And that is God's faithfulness. May each of us face the future knowing that as God has been faithful in the past, He will continue to be faithful in the days ahead.

I don't know what this day will bring

Will it be disappointing, filled with longed for things?

I don't know what tomorrow holds

Still I know I can trust Your faithfulness

I don't know if these clouds mean rain

If they do, will they pour down blessing or pain?

I don't know what the future holds

Still I know I can trust Your faithfulness

Certain as the rivers reach the sea

Certain as the sunrise in the east

I can rest in your faithfulness

Surer than a mother's tender love

Surer than the stars still shine above

I can rest in your faithfulness

I don't know how or when I'll die

Will it be a thief, or will I have a chance to say goodbye?

No, I don't know how much time is left

But in the end, I will know your faithfulness

When darkness overwhelms my soul

When thoughts and storms of doubt

Still I trust You are always faithful, always faithful

Certain as the rivers reach the sea

Certain as the sunrise in the east

I can rest in your faithfulness

Surer than a mother's tender love

Surer than the stars still shine above

I can rest in your faithfulness

I don't know what this day will bring

Will it be disappointing, filled with longed for things?

I don't know what tomorrow holds

Still I know I can trust Your faithfulness

You can listen to this sung here.    LISTEN

I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW

        As a singer evangelist Ira Stanphill (1914 - 2003) traveled the United States and Canada extensively and around the world to 40 countries to preach and perform his music. He is said to have composed more than 500 gospel songs.  Many famous secular singers have performed his works, such as Elvis Presley ("Mansion Over the Hilltop") and Johnny Cash ("Suppertime").    In 1939, Stanphill married Zelma Lawson, a minister's daughter who "played piano by ear and accompanied her parents on a local radio program."  But unfortunately that marriage ended in divorce in 1948. It is said that he wrote "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow" during the dissolution of his marriage. According to acquaintances, Stanphill's wife grew tired of his ministry and left him to pursue a career of her own in entertainment. Sadly, she was killed in a car crash sometime later. The lyrics of this song aptly convey the emotions of listlessness and doubt that Stanphill encountered while going through such a difficult period in life.  During the years of separation, divorce and her death, Stanphill is said to have sunk into a deep depression. Ace Collins writes in "Turn Your Radio On" that Stanphill was driving one night when he began to hum and then sing a song. He was singing about not knowing what the future held but trusting God with the future. Upon arriving home, he rushed to his office and his piano and jotted down the words.  Over the years these words have been claimed by so many who are facing an unknown future.  But as a child of God we can face the future with the full knowledge that there is one who does hold tomorrow and does tenderly and safely lead us through whatever is ahead.  What peace, direction and security we can obtain as we walk with Him, the one who really knows our tomorrow.  Are you worried about tomorrow?  I think that often we all are.  But what a comfort it is to realize that the one who really loves us will walk through it with us and He knows the way.

1.     I don't know about tomorrow;

I just live from day to day.

I don't borrow from it's sunshine

For it's skies may turn to grey.

I don't worry o'er the future,

For I know what Jesus said.

And today I'll walk beside Him,

For He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand.

2.     Every step is getting brighter

As the golden stairs I climb;

Every burden's getting lighter,

Every cloud is silver-lined.

There the sun is always shining,

There no tear will dim the eye;

At the ending of the rainbow

Where the mountains touch the sky.

Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand.

3.    I don't know about tomorrow;

It may bring me poverty.

But the one who feeds the sparrow,

Is the one who stands by me.

And the path that is my portion

May be through the flame or flood;

But His presence goes before me

And I'm covered with His blood.

Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand.

listen to it here.  TOMORROW

MASTER THE TEMPEST IS RAGING (TH?PEACE)

        Does the pandemic make you feel like you are caught in a violent storm with no way of escape?  There seem to be dangers everywhere and at times they, like waves, threaten to overwhelm us.  At times no solutions or escape seems possible.  Many are worried, filled with anxiety and depressed.

          I  image that the disciples may have felt the same when they were caught in a terrible storm at sea.  They didn't see any way of escape or hope.  Panic filled their boat.  But then Jesus took over and suddenly there was peace in the midst of their storm.  

          And, He can do that again in the midst of our present storm.

          In recent months we have experienced numerous devastating storms that have taken lives and caused much physical damage.-  tornados, earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding and fires. However, while those storms have produced much damage, they have generally come and gone quickly. But sometimes the storms of life that we face don't end that quickly and they often leave permanent scars and damage. None of us are exempt from today's economy, from serious health problems, from family troubles, and from other woes. 

           Recent events have led me to a song that I haven't heard sung for many years, but it was a favorite when I was growing up. The song is based on the story in Mark of Jesus and his disciples caught in a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee. But in the midst of the terror, "He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."

          The author of the hymn, Mary Ann Baker. and her only brother suffered from the same respiratory disease that had taken their parents' lives.  Her brother left their home in Chicago to find a warmer climate in the southern part of the United States. For a time he seemed to be improving, but then a sudden turn in his health came and he died almost immediately. Mary Ann and her sister were heartbroken. It only added to their deep grief that neither their own health nor their personal finances allowed them to claim their brother's body or to finance its return to Chicago for burial. 

          Mary's trust in a loving God broke under the strain of her brother's death and her own diminished circumstances. "God does not care for me or mine," said Mary Ann. "This particular manifestation of what they call 'divine providence' is unworthy of a God of love." Have you ever thought the same thing? "I have always tried to believe on Christ and give the Master a consecrated life," she said, "but this is more than I can bear. What have I done to deserve this? What have I left undone that God should wreak His vengeance upon me in this way?" 

          But as the days and the weeks went by, the God of life and love began to calm the winds and the waves of what this young woman called "her unsanctified heart." Her faith not only returned but it flourished, and she learned new things, things "too wonderful" to have known before her despair. Later, in 1874, as something of a personal testimonial and caring very much for the faith of others who would also be tried by personal despair, she wrote the words of the hymn we have all sung, "Master, the Tempest Is Raging." As you face your storms of life, remember that God does care about you and He alone can give you a peace that passeth understanding. I have experienced that, have you?

(1)    Master, the tempest is raging! 

The billows are tossing high!

The sky is o'ershadow with blackness, 

no shelter or help is nigh;

Carest Thou not that we perish? 

How canst Thou lie asleep,

When each moment so madly is threatening 

a grave in the angry deep?

The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, 

Peace, be still!

Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea,

Or demons or men, or whatever it be

No waters can swallow the ship where lies

The Master of ocean, and earth, and skies;

They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,

Peace, be still! Peace, be still!

They all shall sweetly obey Thy will, 

Peace, peace, be still!

(2)    Master, with anguish of spirit, 

I bow in my grief today;

The depths of my sad heart are troubled, 

oh, waken and save, I pray!

Torrents of sin and of anguish 

sweep o'er my sinking soul;

And I perish! I perish! dear Master

Oh, hasten, and take control.

The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, 

Peace, be still!

Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea,

Or demons or men, or whatever it be

No waters can swallow the ship where lies

The Master of ocean, and earth, and skies;

They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,

Peace, be still! Peace, be still!

They all shall sweetly obey Thy will, 

Peace, peace, be still!

(3)    Master, the terror is over, 

the elements sweetly rest;

Earth's sun in the calm lake is mirrored,

And heaven's within my breast;

Linger, O blessed Redeemer! 

Leave me alone no more;

And with joy I shall make the blest harbor,

And rest on the blissful shore.

The winds and the waves shall obey 

Thy will, Peace, be still!

Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea,

Or demons or men, or whatever it be

No waters can swallow the ship where lies

The Master of ocean, and earth, and skies;

They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,

Peace, be still! Peace, be still!

They all shall sweetly obey Thy will, 

Peace, peace, be still!

Listen to it here.   TEMPEST