COMPANION AND GUIDE

“She is my companion as well as my guide.” (Andrea A. re. her leader dog)

Our friend is training with his new leader dog. They came to church together for the first time yesterday. The two provide a strong and silent message to all of us. The words of the hymn are both ancient and true:
"If thou but suffer God to guide thee...
He'll give thee strength, whate'er betide thee."

If thou but suffer God to guide thee
And hope in Him through all thy ways,
He’ll give thee strength, whate’er betide thee,
And bear thee through the evil days.
Who trust in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the rock that naught can move.

What can these anxious cares avail thee
These never ceasing moans and sighs?
What can it help if thou bewail thee
O’er each dark moment as it flies?
Our cross and trials do but press
The heavier for our bitterness.

Be patient and await His leisure
In cheerful hope, with heart content
To take whatever thy Father’s pleasure
And His discerning love hath sent,
Nor doubt our inmost want are known
To Him who chose us for His own.

God knows full well when time of gladness
Shall be the needful thing for thee.
When He has tried thy soul with sadness
And from all guile has found thee free,
He comes to thee all unaware
And makes thee own His loving care.

Nor think amid the fiery trial
That God hath cast thee off unheard,
That he whose hopes meet no denial
Must surely be of God preferred.
Time passes and much change doth bring
And set a bound to everything.

All are alike before the Highest:
’Tis easy for our God, We know,
To raise thee up, though low thou liest,
To make the rich man poor and low.
True wonders still by Him are wrought
Who setteth up and brings to naught.

Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving,
Perform thy duties faithfully,
And trust His Word: though undeserving,
Thou yet shalt find it true for thee.
God never yet forsook in need
The soul that trusted Him indeed.
(Georg Neumark in 1640, translated to English by Catherine Winkworth)

6 comments:

  1. Rebecca--You have no idea how much I needed the words of this hymn today. I was sort of having a pity party, because I had a rather lonely and sad Mother's Day. I have since asked God's forgivenss. But this hymn brought balm to my soul. Thank you for sharing it.

    I also have been enjoying all your quotes in the margins of your blog. Thank you for being a blessing to me today. Donna

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  2. I e-mailed you. Isn't it "strange" how God plants words in the recesses of our minds to be retrieved in times of trouble? These words are very closely related to various Psalms that I read daily. That is why they are so comforting! "God's Word is powerful and mighty. Mighty, mighty is God's Word, it makes the devil tremble!" goes a song Mark Hammon (spelling ?) wrote and delivers so memorably.

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  3. Hi Rebecca,
    Thank you for visiting and for leaving such sweet words of encouragement.

    You may copy the award free statement. I wrestled with accepting awards for a long while, as I had visited other blogs, and would read of the hurt that others felt at not receiving awards. I equated it to choosing between my children, I just cold not choose just a few people, so after much prayer the Lord led me to make a statement.

    I have lingered here tonight listening to your very comforting music and reading such inspiring words on your side bar, i have been truly blessed!
    Sue

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  4. Rebecca, this is the most beautiful, inspiring and warm blog filled with such pure faith that I have ever read. I am so glad to have found your blog and look forward to more of your uplifting words, quotes and hymns. The world is much better place because of people like you.....:-) Bernie

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  5. Rebecca
    Thank you for this beautiful post.I love the words to this beautiful hymn. I hope you have a beautiful day.
    Lisa

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  6. Dearest Rebecca,

    What a joy to have found you writings, your words of encouragement...

    Thank you dear, for stopping by the cottage and saying hello!

    I have truly enjoyed reading your thoughts, and I feel so encouraged by them.

    Thank you so much for sharing,

    lady m

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Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)