Words by Henry F. Lyte (adapted)
Melody by William H Monk (adapted)
Arranged by Sally DeFord
Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me
I need thy presence every passing hour
What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who like thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me
I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness
Death has no sting, the grave no victory*
I triumph still if thou abide with me
There's time to grieve, and time not to grieve.
And now it's time not to grieve.
I love the hope and confidence expressed in this hymn too.
I remembered sis Hui Jun telling me the story behind this hymn when I was heart-broken then. I am not sure if I mixed up the stories, but somehow this story just etched in my heart.
The author of this song lost all his family members because of shipwreck, and he's the only survivor, and every now and then, when he sees the ocean tides, memories overwhelmed him, sadness gripped him, yet he knows who's on the throne. Lord gives and takes away, but He does not do that to destroy but to bless.
I don't know what the author felt then. What's the blessing God gave him he must be thinking?
But because of his experience, the faith and hope in this song that he wrote, gave so many believers strength to hope in Christ.
If I know this experience of mine is usable by God, then I shall not grieve anymore.
This is a chance.
Every hardship is a chance.
No comments:
Post a Comment