Next week we will celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States. By Presidential decree, we stop work and are encouraged to go to our places of worship and thank our deity for provisions this last year and to commit the coming year to him.
The historical context to the words add texture to our reflections today as we finish a week pondering a hero of the faith, Abraham, and as we ponder our blessings today. The hymn was written by an unknown Dutch author at the end of the 17th century to celebrate their final freedom over their Spanish overloads. Holland had been scourged and Antwerp sacked by the Spanish in 1576. It was recaptured in 1585 and Protestants exiled. In the post Reformation culture, Holland recovered though and was able to shake off the Spanish control. This hymn was written.
As we reflect on our faith this Thanksgiving we might think of the fears and problems that seek to control us. As we have said this week though, faith is trusting in an unseen God to bring about a blessed future we have yet to experience. He is to be praised for the growth and freedoms we have. Enjoy the song and ponder the verses! Blessings.
1 We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known;
the wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His name, He forgets not His own.
2 Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
so from the beginning the fight we were winning:
the Lord was at our side- the glory be Thine!
3 We all do extol Thee, Thou leader triumphant,
and pray that Thou still our defender wilt be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!
On the Way to Wonder 