Hymn Stories…
(First Verse):
“O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.”
Isaac Watts penned the words to this powerful hymn during a time of great political upheaval. Perhaps that it why it speaks to me so much today.The beautiful words and music (by William Croft) were played on the radio by the BBC as soon as WWII was declared, and was later sung at Winston Churchill’s funeral.
Inspiring words then, and now, and a reminder of God’s faithfulness, even when national and world leaders stumble, and the world seems to embrace the darkness rather than the Light.
“Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God” (Psalm 90:1-2).
The great hymns of our faith offer much consolation and joy. When lyrics are taken (or derived) from Scripture, and combined with with beautiful music – nothing speaks to my soul quite so distinctly. The God who has championed our cause throughout the ages, has not abandoned us. And even though the world can cause us deep grief, God Himself, is our shelter and protector.
What have we to fear?
