We almost lost my father the day before yesterday. God in His grace and mercy has seen fit to grant us more time with him; for this I praise Him with my whole heart. Below are two hymns which will always speak to me of my father.
The first, written in 1865, is an old Swedish hymn which my father has often played for me on the piano. Written by Karolina W. Sandell after her father drowned while she watched unable to help, this speaks of the power of faith when life is filled with pain and sorrow.
The second, a contemporary piece, was commissioned for the annual church musician’s conference which my family has attended for many years. The power of this piece of music is found in the chorus: “To love our God, the reason we live.”
I dedicate these two hymns to my father, who I love far more than he will ever know. I am so grateful that God has given us a bit more time together on this side of heaven.
Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Every day the Lord Himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then, in every tribulation,
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation,
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till with Christ the Lord I stand.
By Karolina W Sandell
Where does the wind come from?
Where does it go?
Blowing north then south, how does it know?
The rain flows gently to the sea, yet the sea is never full.
How can these things be?
How can these things be?
Humanity works hard to make a name,
toiling in the sun, yet nothing gained.
We all return to dust from whence we came.
All is empty, all is vain.
To love our God, the reason we live;
To love our God, the highest call.
Nothing satisfies our soul,
Gives life meaning, makes us whole.
For this purpose we were made–to love our God.
Text: John Parker
Music: Mark Hayes
(You Tube versions of both are included in the comments section.)
Original Content: Copyright © 2012 by Susan E. Johnson
All rights reserved
Praising God with you that He’s given you more time with your Dad! My Dad died last June, so I do understand what a treasure it is to be with each other a bit longer this side of heaven. You honor your Dad beautifully with your words. He must be very proud of you.
Thank you! I just spoke to him on the phone in his room in ICU and he told me that when he read this post (my step-mother had printed out a copy for him), I had made him cry. Oh dear–I never meant to do that!
I am so sorry to hear about your father’s passing last year. Thankfully we are only separated for a short time here in the light of eternity. What a joy it will be to be reunited with those family members who have gone on ahead.
Blessings!