Most of the hymns that have been featured over the years in this blog are more than a century old. However, one of my personal favorites is this week's choice, a little known work that was written in 1959 by Esther Duvall Eden. Eden was the sister of Ruth Crawford Porter, the wife of the late evangelist Percy Crawford, who, among many other things, founded Pinebrook in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Pinebrook is a special place where thousands have come to know the Lord and commit their lives to Him over the decades.
The music for this song was actually written by Blanche Osborn who added the music to many of Eden's writings. Because the hymn is not well known, it has been impossible to find anything out about the actual events behind its writing. But since I have a special place in my heart for Pinebrook, having volunteered there for over 40 years, I'd like to imagine that maybe Eden was inspired by viewing the majestic skies from this place in the mountains.
In those days there would not have been many lights to detract from the clear nights when one could clearly see the stars and distant space. What a spectacular view to gaze upon the vastness of the universe and to reflect upon the greatness of the Creator.
What a thrill to realize that the One who called all of this into being actually cared enough about us to send His Son to this earth to die for us. And that is really so hard to comprehend. But this realization should make our hearts cry out in wonder, "O mighty God, how wonderful art Thou."
I pray that as you reflect upon these words this week that your heart will respond in gratitude and worship to the One who did all of this for You.
(1) I walk at night beneath majestic skies
And know behind them is a God all-wise,
Who fixed all stars, each in its lonely place,
And wrapped them in a darkened robe of space.
O mighty God, how wonderful art Thou
To love the world while heav'ns before Thee bow.
I fail to comprehend it all some how.
O mighty God, how wonderful art Thou.
(2) I see the moon, the stars in distant space,
And think of how the God of matchless grace
Is coming in the clouds to claim His own -
Such wonders that on earth cannot be known.
O mighty God, how wonderful art Thou
To love the world while heav'ns before Thee bow.
I fail to comprehend it all some how.
O mighty God, how wonderful art Thou.
(3) I scan the heav'ns with rapture in my soul
And wonder how the God Who made the whole
Could ever fix His thoughts on such as I
And give His Son upon the cross to die.
O mighty God, how wonderful art Thou
To love the world while heav'ns before Thee bow.
I fail to comprehend it all some how.
O mighty God, how wonderful art Thou.
Here is the only video of this song that I could find. Take time to listen to it and worship with a heart full of praise and thanksgiving. LISTEN
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