The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
Amazing Grace by John Newton verse 6
Saturdays we often ponder great hymns that have touched our lives and that pick up the flavor of the week’s devotionals. This week we pondered the sixth verse of John Newton’s “Amazing Grace.” It is often not sung because it deals with death, the death of this world but the assurance of God’s eternal love. I suppose it could be end times in God’s larger story but it also applies as we walk loved ones to their journey’s end here on earth.
Another hymn that has touched my life is “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah.” It came out of Wales in the 1700s during a revival that impacted the life of William Williams. When we were in Kenya, this hymn was used to open a session with the Board of our school and signaled a major transistion in the structure. It also signaled a major transition in our lives as our sons were graduating from high school and we would move back to the United States and face a very unknown future. But indeed God was faithful and opened new adventures, new friends, and and new tasks for us. Our anxious fears have subsided and we have been blessed.
I have chosen a YouTube version sung by youth as the song applies to the journey of life. The third verse that speaks of the challenge of death has touched my heart today. Please enjoy.
“When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of deaths, and hell’s destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee.”
On the Way to Wonder 