Thy God Reigns Tune to "FROM EVERY STORMY WIND" LM Words by JIM BYRD
1. O what a glad, delightful sound, Within the Word of God ‘tis found; The Lord our God reigns over all, The Sovereign over great and small.
2. Ye children of the Father’s love, Rejoice! He governs from above! All things that happen, He ordains, The Lord of glory ever reigns.
3. Yes day by day, and year by year, Jehovah reigns, so do not fear; Be calm, O anxious, troubled soul, Thy God still reigns, may this console.
4. O yes He reigns forevermore, With grateful hearts, His Name adore; And though His will we faintly see, Trust Him who reigns eternally.
***** "Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! And thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee: and thou shalt tread upon their high places." (Deuteronomy 33:29)
****** We have in our Lord’s resurrection a type and pledge of the resurrection of His believing people. The grave could not hold Him beyond the appointed time, and it shall not be able to hold us. A glorious angel was a witness of the rising, and glorious angels shall be the messengers who shall gather believers when we rise again. He arose with a renewed body, and yet a body, real, true and material, and so shall His people have a glorious body and be like their Head. –J. C. Ryle *****
God Leads Us Along Years ago there lived near Kansas City, Missouri, a man by the name of G. A. Young. He wrote a hymn which we sometimes sing, "God Leads His Dear Children Along." That hymn has blessed the church of the Lord for many years. It is said that the head of a music publishing company wanted to know the history behind the writing of that hymn so he set out to find Mr. Young. He soon discovered, however, that the dear man had died. Upon learning that Mrs. Young was still alive, the publisher sought to locate her with the hopes of learning what motivated her husband to write such a stirring hymn. The man was utterly shocked when he found out that the writer’s widow was no longer living in the city, but instead worked and lived on a poor farm not far from Kansas City. Back in those days (the 1800's), poor farms were maintained at public expense for the support and employment of needy people. At first, the publisher was hesitant about visiting the lady. "How awkward it would be," he thought, "to go and talk to her about a hymn pertaining to the providence of God when she was obviously very, very poor." In time, however, he laid aside his reluctance, made his way to the farm, found her room, introduced himself and explained the reason for his visit. He was amazed to find a cheerful, radiant, enthusiastic little woman who was delighted to welcome him to her humble quarters. She began to tell her story, which I must edit for the sake of brevity. "My husband and I were married while we were very young. God gave us a wonderful life together. We were both joyful in Christ. The Lord led us from day to day, which inspired him to write his famous hymn. But one day, God took my husband to glory, and I had to leave our home and now this is where I live. The Lord has led me here, and I am so excited and glad about it. Isn’t it wonderful that God leads His children day by day and step by step? Many people come to this place, and they are so sad and in such great need. They need help and comfort, and I am here to try and cheer them up and tell them about Christ and His perfect salvation. How thankful I am that God has brought me to this place where I can be of so much help to other people."
What words of faith! She lived on a poor farm and yet she could say with thanksgiving, "God has brought me to this place." Children of the Lord, let us ever be mindful of and rejoice in the providential grace of our all-wise God and King. Our steps are ordained of the Lord, and they will surely lead in the way that is best for us. I am reminded of the Savior’s words to Simon Peter, "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter" (John 13:7). I may not understand how my present circumstances are under the directive hand of the Lord, nor how they will work together for my good, but someday it will all be plain to me. For now, it is my duty to trust Him completely. --Jim Byrd
Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright, God leads His dear children along; Sometimes in the valley in darkest of night, God leads His dear children along. Some thru the waters, some thru the flood, Some thru the fire, but all thru the blood; Some thru great sorrow, but God gives a song, In the night season and all the day long.
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