19. Hymn: Where Is My God? Does He Retire

Hymn: Where Is My God? Does He Retire

Author: Anne Steele (1717-1778)

1. Where is my God? does he retire
    Beyond the reach of humble sighs?
    Are these weak breathings of desire
    Too languid to ascend the skies?
    Where is my God? can he be mine
    And yet so long conceal his face?
    And must I every joy resign
    Nor hope for his returning grace?

2. Hence guilty diffidence depart,
    His goodness never can decline;
    He sees this weak, this trembling heart
    That yet aspires to call him mine.
    He hears the breathings of desire,
    The weak petition if sincere,
    Is not forbidden to aspire,
    And hope to reach his gracious ear.

3. Look up, my soul, with cheerful eye,
    See where the great redeemer stands,
    The glorious advocate on high,
    With precious incense in his hands.
    He sweetens every humble groan,
    He recommends each broken prayer;
    Recline your hope on him alone,
    Whose power and love forbid despair.

4. Teach my weak heart, O gracious Lord,
    With stronger faith to call you mine,
    Bid me pronounce the blissful word,
    My father God with joy divine.
    Look up, my soul, with cheerful eye,
    See where the great redeemer stands,
    The glorious advocate on high,
    With precious incense in his hands.

18. Hymn: Leave God to Order All Thy Ways

Hymn: Leave God to Order All Thy Ways

Author: Georg Neumark (1621-1681)

1. Leave God to order all thy ways,
    And hope in him whate’er betide;
    Thou’lt find him in the evil days
    Thy all-sufficient strength and guide;
    Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
    Builds on the rock that naught can move.

2. Only thy restless heart keep still,
    And wait in cheerful hope, content
    To take whate’er his gracious will,
    His all-discerning love, hath sent;
    Nor doubt our inmost wants are known
    To him who chose us for his own.

3. Sing, pray, and swerve not from his ways,
    But do thine own part faithfully;
    Trust his rich promises of grace,
    So shall they be fulfilled in thee;
    God never yet forsook at need
    The soul that trusted him indeed.

17. Devotional: And Shalt Thou Be Delivered?

Devotional: And Shalt Thou Be Delivered?

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

And shalt thou be delivered? - Isaiah 37:11

    This is plainly the language of an insulting foe; he had triumphed, and now he boasted, but his power was bounded, and his pride procured his fall.

    Often when in trouble, when distressed, when tried by a sense of sin and unworthiness, unbelief and Satan join, and pointing to others who have fallen and to our acknowledged unworthiness, insultingly ask the question, "And shalt thou be delivered?" Yes, Satan, we shall be delivered; the God of Hezekiah is our God, and He hath said, "I will deliver thee in six troubles, and in seven I will not forsake thee."

    We believe His word, we rely on His faithfulness, we plead at His throne; and so sure as He can deliver, He WILL. He hath often done so in times past, He doth deliver all His praying people now, and in Him we trust that He will deliver us. Not on account of anything in us, or of anything done by us, but because He hath said, "I will be with him trouble, I will deliver him and honour him; I will set him on high, because he hath known My name." He is faithful, His word cannot fail, nor should our faith be shaken. Deliverance is certain, for God hath spoken, and God is true.

The same His power, His love the same,
Unmoved the promise shines;
Eternal truth surrounds His name,
And guards the precious lines.

16. Hymn: Tunnel

Hymn: Tunnel

Author: Unknown

Often darkness fills the pathway of the pilgrim’s onward track,
And we shrink from going forward—trembling, feel like going back:
But the Lord, Who plans so wisely, leads us on both day and night,
Till at last, in silent wonder, we rejoice in Wisdom’s light.

Though the tunnel may be tedious through the narrow, darkened way,
Yet it amply serves its purpose—soon it brings the light of day:
And the way so greatly dreaded, as we backward take a glance,
Shows the skill of careful planning: never the result of chance!

Is your present path a tunnel, does the darkness bring you fear?
To the upright, oh, remember, He doth cause a light to cheer.
Press on bravely, resting calmly, though a way you dimly see,
Till, at length, so safely guided, you emerge triumphantly.

Trust the Engineer Eternal; surely all His works are right;
Though we cannot always trace them, faith will turn at last to sight:
Then no more the deepening shadows of the dark and dismal way;
There, for ever in clear sunlight, we’ll enjoy "The perfect day."

15. Hymn: Affliction Is A Stormy Deep

Hymn: Affliction Is A Stormy Deep

Author: Nathaniel Cotton (1707-1788)

1. Affliction is a stormy deep,
    Where wave resounds to wave;
    Though o'er my head the billows roll,
    I know the Lord can save.

2. The hand that now withholds my joys
    Can reinstate my peace:
    And He who bade the tempest roar,
    Can bid that tempest cease.

3. In the dark watches of the night,
    I'll count His mercies o'er;
    I'll praise Him for ten thousand past,
    And humbly sue for more.

4. When darkness and when sorrows rose
    And pressed on every side,
    The Lord has still sustained my steps,
    And still has been my Guide.

5. Here will I rest, and build my hopes,
    Nor murmur at His rod;
    He's more than all the world to me,
    My Health, my Life, my God!

14. Hymn: Light in Darkness

Hymn: Light in Darkness

Author: Karl Johann Philipp Spitta (1801-1859)

All things work together for good to them that love God. (Rom.8:28)

How weary and how worthless this life at times appears!
What days of heavy musings, what hours of bitter tears!
How dark the storm-clouds gather along the wintry skies!
How desolate and cheerless the path before us lies!

And yet these days of dreariness are sent us from above:
They do not come in anger, but in faithfulness and love;
They come to teach us lessons which bright ones could not yield,
And to leave us blest and thankful when their purpose is fulfilled.

They come to draw us nearer to our Father and our Lord,
More earnestly to seek His face, to listen to His word.
And to feel, if now around us a desert land we see,
Without the star of promise, what would its darkness be!

They come to lay us lowly and humbled in the dust,
All self-deception swept away, all creature-hope and trust;
Our helplessness, our vileness, our guiltiness to own,
And flee, for hope and refuge, to Christ, and Christ alone.

They come to break the fetters which here detain us fast,
And force our long reluctant hearts to rise to heaven at last
And brighten every prospect of that eternal home,
Where grief and disappointment and fear can never come.

Then turn not in despondence, poor weary heart, away,
But meekly journey onwards, through the dark and cloudy day;
Even now the bow of promise is above thee painted bright,
And soon a joyful morning shall dissipate the night.

Thy God hath not forgot thee, and, when He sees it best,
Will lead thee into sunshine, will give thee bowers of rest;
And all thy pain and sorrow, when the pilgrimage is o'er,
Shall end in heavenly blessedness, and joys for evermore!

13. Hymn: The Saints Should Never Be Dismayed

Hymn: The Saints Should Never Be Dismayed

Author: William Cowper (1731-1800)

The saints should ne­ver be dis­mayed,
Nor sink in hope­less fear;
For when they least ex­pect His aid,
The Sav­ior will ap­pear.

This Ab­ra­ham found: he raised the knife;
God saw, and said, For­bear!
Yon ram shall yield his mean­er life;
Behold the vic­tim there.

Once David seemed Saul’s cer­tain prey;
But hark! the foe’s at hand;
Saul turns his arms ano­ther way,
To save th’in­vad­ed land.

When Jo­nah sank be­neath the wave,
He thought to rise no more;
But God pre­pared a fish to save,
And bear him to the shore.

Blest proofs of pow­er and grace di­vine,
That meet us in His Word!
May ev­ery deep felt care of mine
Be trust­ed with the Lord.

Wait for His sea­son­able aid,
And though it tar­ry, wait:
The pro­mise may be long de­layed,
But can­not come too late.

12. A Quote from T. Austin-Sparks (15)

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11. Hymn: When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

Hymn: When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

Author: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)

(Vocal)

(Music)

(Sheet Music)

1. When I survey the wondrous cross
    On which the Prince of glory died,
    My richest gain I count but loss,
    And pour contempt on all my pride.

2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
    Save in the death of Christ my God!
    All the vain things that charm me most,
    I sacrifice them to His blood.

3. See from His head, His hands, His feet,
    Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
    Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
    Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
    That were a present far too small;
    Love so amazing, so divine,
    Demands my soul, my life, my all.

10. Hymn: Cometh Sunshine After Rain

Hymn: Cometh Sunshine After Rain

Author: Paul Gerhardt (1607-1676)

Cometh sunshine after rain,
After mourning joy again,
After heavy bitter grief
Dawneth surely sweet relief!
And my soul, who from her height
Sank to realms of woe and night,
Wingeth new to heav'n her flight.

Bitter anguish have I borne,
Keen regret my heart hath torn,
Sorrow dimm'd my weeping eyes,
Satan blinded me with lies;
Yet at last am I set free,
Help, protection, love, to me
Once more true companions be.

None was ever left a prey,
None was ever turn'd away,
Who had given himself to God,
And on Him had cast his load.
Who in God his hope hath placed
Shall not life in pain outwaste,
Fullest joy he yet shall taste.

Though to-day may not fulfil
All thy hopes, have patience still,
For perchance to-morrow's sun
Sees thy happier days begun;
As God willeth march the hours,
Bringing joy at last in showers,
When whate'er we ask'd is ours.

Now as long as here I roam,
On this earth have house and home,
Shall this wondrous gleam from Thee
Shine through all my memory.
To my God I yet will cling,
All my life the praises sing
That from thankful hearts outspring.

Every sorrow, every smart,
That the Eternal Father's heart
Hath appointed me of yore,
Or hath yet for me in store,
As my life flows on, I'll take
Calmly, gladly for His sake,
No more faithless murmurs make.

I will meet distress and pain,
I will greet e'en Death's dark reign,
I will lay me in the grave,
With a heart still glad and brave;
Whom the Strongest doth defend,
Whom the Highest counts His friend,
Cannot perish in the end.

9. Devotional: Times of Trouble

Devotional: Times of Trouble

Author: Charles F. Stanley (1932-2023)

Difficult times come into every life. 
Choose to rely on our sovereign God for comfort and care.

Psalms 46:2-11

    Hard times are inevitable. Loved ones die. Friends face sickness. Our spouse loses his or her job. The range of human pain is broad, but God “comforts us in all our affliction” (2 Corinthians 1:4).

    Today’s passage speaks of great calamities, some from natural causes and others brought about by men (vv. 2, 6). Such trials often bewilder us, but verse 10 tells us where to turn. God’s followers should be still and remember He’s the sovereign Lord of the universe. The key to dealing with difficulty lies in trusting the One who controls all things.

    Instead of trying to manage the situation ourselves, we should actively wait for God to move and trust that He will work on our behalf (Isaiah 64:4). This involves taking time to be alone with our Father—crying out to Him, meditating on His Word, and listening to Him.

    Human instinct urges us to take control ourselves; in contrast, God wants us to patiently and expectantly wait on Him. He also tells us to surrender what we think is right and submit to His plan.

    What’s your response when trouble arises? Whether your current circumstances are good or painful, take time to be still before the Lord, and trust that He is in control.

8. Devotional: The New Resource

Devotional: The New Resource
Author: Ray C. Stedman (1917-1992)

A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, It is I; don't be afraid. (John 6:18-20)

    Those are very wonderful words for us, because our Lord is saying these same things for our benefit. This whole incident of the storm and their precarious condition in their boat is designed to teach his disciples the resources they have in their risen Lord. This is why John follows immediately by saying, they were glad to take him into the boat. Their fear was immediately relieved when they realized it was indeed Jesus who was walking on the water, and he was in control of all events, so they willingly received him into the boat. Immediately there was further demonstration of the power of Jesus, for they were instantly on the other side of the lake, to where they were going. The three or four remaining miles of the journey was suddenly accomplished, and they found themselves at the dock in Capernaum. 

    I am startled by the number of Christians who do not act upon this truth, but seem to succumb to the pressures and the problems of life and react just like a non-Christian would. They grumble and complain, feeling set upon and put upon. They despair and strike out and strike back; they rely upon worldly schemes to deliver them from difficulties. What is more amazing is how many times I have experienced the joy of Jesus' presence, freeing me from the circumstances, and yet how many times I go right back and react the same way that others do in times of pressure and danger. Yet, here indeed, is the sign of the New Covenant, the new creation: Jesus with us in the very circumstances we find ourselves; triumphant, in control, Lord of all those circumstances, the new hidden resource for life which is available to believers but which the world knows nothing about.

    This leaves us with really only one question: Why don't we believe this? Why are we so much like Peter, who, even in the midst of experiencing the power of God to walk above his circumstances, loses his faith and begins to sink beneath the waves? You can always tell the man or woman who does learn this secret, who does welcome the Lord into the boat of difficulty, who does hear his Word, It is I; be not afraid.

    When we accept that fact we will find that it reveals itself in our very countenance. People who have discovered this have a quiet peace in their eyes even when things are going wrong. They have a confidence that everything is going to finally work its way out to what God's intended purpose was. There is not a word of complaint or grumbling. They regard the circumstances as necessary to what God wants to do in their lives—which is always for their own good, for their own ultimate happiness—and they accept them. They are a joy to be around. When you go to encourage them you find they encourage you. Do you know why? It is because they have already taken Jesus into the boat. When people do that, they discover that they have already arrived at the goal toward which the rest of us are still struggling. They are already there; they have found love and joy and peace.

    That is why these accounts are here in the Scriptures—to teach us the hidden resource of life, the place to run to when things get overwhelming and we find ourselves pressured. And this is not something to be reserved only for the great trials of life. It is available for any time of pressure, or any degree of it. When we accept this on that level, we are discovering the new creation, a new resource the world knows nothing about.

    Lord, may I understand afresh the inner resources by which I can remain calm and confident in the midst of trouble and danger. Help me to manifest this, Lord, as a testimony to your presence.

Life Application:

    As our lives are rocked by worldwide turbulence, added to life's daily stresses - where do we go to find peace of heart and soul? Does the Prince of Peace have full occupancy in our lives?

7. Hymn: Waiting

Hymn: Waiting

Author: Karl Johann Philipp Spitta (1801-1859)

Mine hour is not yet come. (John 2:4)

 "Jesus' hour is not yet come;"
Let this word thine answer be,
Pilgrim, asking for thy home,
Longing to be blest and free.
Yet a season tarry on-
Nobly borne is nobly done.

While oppressing cares and fears,
Night and day no respite leave,
Still prolonged through many years,
None to help thee or relieve,
Hold the word of promise fast,
Till deliverance comes at last.

Every creature-hope and trust,
Every earthly prop or stay,
May lie prostrate in the dust,
May have failed or passed away;
Then when darkness falls the night,
Jesus comes, and all is light.

Yes, the Comforter draws nigh
To the breaking, bursting heart,
For, with tender sympathy,
He has seen and felt its smart:
Through its darkest hours of ill,
He is waiting, watching still.

Dost thou ask, When comes His hour?
Then, when it shall aid thee best.
Trust His faithfulness and power,
Trust in Him and quietly rest.
Suffer on, and hope, and wait-
Jesus never comes too late.

Blessed day, which hastens fast,
End of conflict and of sin
Death itself shall die at last,
Heaven's eternal joys begin.
Then eternity shall prove,
God is Light, and God is Love.

6. Hymn: What Within Me and Without

Hymn: What Within Me and Without

Author: August Hermann Francke (1663-1727) 

What within me and without,
Hourly on my spirit weighs,
Burdening heart and soul with doubt,
Darkening all my weary days:
In it I behold Thy will,
God, who givest rest and peace,
And my heart is calm and still,
Waiting till Thou send release.

God! Thou art my rock of strength,
And my home is in Thine arms,
Thou wilt send me help at length,
And I feel no wild alarms.
Sin nor Death can pierce the shield
Thy defence has o'er me thrown,
Up to Thee myself I yield,
And my sorrows are Thine own.

Thou my shelter from the blast,
Thou my strong defence art ever;
Though my sorrows thicken fast,
Yet I know Thou leav'st me never;
When my foe puts forth his might,
And would tread me in the dust,
To this rock I take my flight,
And I conquer him through trust.

When my trials tarry long,
Unto Thee I look and wait,
Knowing none, though keen and strong,
Can my faith in Thee abate.
And this faith I long have nurst,
Comes alone, O Lord, from Thee;
Thou my heart didst open first,
Thou didst set this hope in me.

Christians! cast on Him your load,
To your tower of refuge fly;
Know He is the Living God,
Ever to His creatures nigh.
Seek His ever-open door
In your hours of utmost need;
All your hearts before Him pour,

He will send you help with speed.

But hast thou some darling plan,
Cleaving to the things of earth?
Leanest thou for aid on man?
Thou wilt find him nothing worth.
Rather trust the One alone
Whose is endless power and love,
And the help He gives His own,
Thou in very deed shalt prove.

Yea, on Thee, my God, I rest,
Letting life float calmly on,
For I know the last is best,
When the crown of joy is won.
In Thy might all things I bear,
In Thy love find bitters sweet,
And with all my grief and care
Sit in patience at Thy feet.

O my soul, why art thou vexed?
Let things go as e'en they will;
Though to thee they seem perplexed,
Yet His order they fulfil.
Here He is thy strength and guard,
Power to harm thee here has none;
Yonder will He each reward
For the works he here has done.

Let Thy mercy's wings be spread
O'er me, keep me close to Thee,
In the peace Thy love doth shed,
Let me dwell eternally.
Be my All; in all I do
Let me only seek Thy will,
Where the heart to Thee is true,
All is peaceful, calm, and still.

5. A Quote from Warren W. Wiersbe (14)

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4. Modern Worship Song: I Worship You Almighty God

Modern Worship Song: I Worship You Almighty God

Author: Don Moen

(Vocal)

(Music)

I worship You, Almighty God; There is none like You.
I worship You, O Prince of Peace; That is what I want to do.
I give You praise for You are my righteousness.
I worship You, Almighty God; There is none like You.

3. A Quote from C. H. Spurgeon (16)

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2. Hymn: And Can It Be

Hymn: And Can It Be

Author: Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

(Vocal)

(Music)

(Sheet Music)

1. And can it be that I should gain
    An interest in the Savior‵s blood?
    Died He for me, who caused His pain?
    For me, who Him to death pursued?
    Amazing love! how can it be
    That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

2. He left His Father‵s throne above,
    So free, so infinite His grace;
    Emptied Himself of all but love,
    And bled for Adam‵s helpless race;
    ‵Tis mercy all, immense and free;
    For, O my God, it found out me.

3. Long my imprisoned spirit lay
    Fast bound in sin and nature‵s night;
    Thine eye diffused a quick‵ning ray,
    I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
    My chains fell off, my heart was free;
    I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

4. No condemnation now I dread;
    Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
    Alive in Him, my living Head,
    And clothed in righteousness divine,
    Bold I approach th‵eternal throne,
    And claim the crown, thro‵ Christ my own.

1. Hymn: Day by Day

Hymn: Day by Day

Author: Karolina W. Sandell-Berg (1832-1903)

(Vocal)

(Music)

(Sheet Music)

1. 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.

2. 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 Counselor 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.

3. 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 I reach the promised land.