7-9-17<\/p>\n
I am reviving this message today from Ireland, where, among other peregrinations, I am visiting my daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildrem Elsie and Lewis. <\/p>\n
I noted a few years ago that we frequently tend to think about times we have gone through, and days facing us. About short-term anxieties and losing sight of God’s long-term blessings, and His care. Headlines about good economics news\u2026 and anxiety about our finances. \u201cHave a good week!\u201d is the implication of sharing messages on Monday mornings, and is a common wish we speak to each other. Almost (too often) like a mantra: \u201cHave a good day,\u201d \u201cHave a nice week,\u201d even a vague \u201cHave a good one.\u201d<\/p>\n
My friend Chris Orr of Derry, Northern Ireland, put these pleasantries in perspective to me a while ago. He wrote, \u201cIt is great to start the week knowing that time does not exist to God. He already has seen the end of the week. Because of that, He has no worries at all about any of His children… so why should WE worry? \u2026 and, after all, we are only given one day at a time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chris’s insight made me think of the hymn Abide With Me<\/em> — a musical prayer that God be WITH us, that we be blessed by the realization of His presence, every moment of every day, right now and in the limitless future.<\/p>\n It was written by Henry Francis Lyte in 1847, as he lay dying of tuberculosis. Once again, the Holy Spirit strengthened a person at life’s \u201cworst\u201d moments with strength enough for that person… and for untold generations to take hope from it. Many people have been blessed — often in profound, life-changing ways — because of this one simple hymn.<\/p>\n Mr Lyte died three weeks after composing these amazing words.<\/p>\n I urge you to watch and listen to the wonderful Hayley Westenra’s performance of Abide With Me<\/em> … and then return here and read the full words to the hymn.<\/p>\n … and then ask God to abide with you today, and this week. And ever more.<\/p>\n Abide With Me<\/p>\n Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide; Swift to its close, ebbs out life\u2019s little day; Not a brief glance I beg, or passing word; Come not in terrors, as the King of kings, Thou on my head in early youth did smile; I need Thy presence every passing hour. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; + + +<\/p>\n
\nThe darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
\nWhen other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
\nHelp of the helpless, O abide with me.<\/p>\n
\nEarth\u2019s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
\nChange and decay in all around I see;
\nO Thou who changes not, abide with me.<\/p>\n
\nBut as Thou dwelled with Thy disciples, Lord\u2014
\nFamiliar, condescending, patient, free\u2014
\nCome not to sojourn, but abide with me.<\/p>\n
\nBut kind and good, with healing in Thy wings,
\nTears for all woes, a heart for every plea\u2014
\nCome, Friend of sinners, and thus abide with me.<\/p>\n
\nAnd, though, rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
\nThou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
\nOn to the close, O Lord: abide with me.<\/p>\n
\nWhat but Thy grace can foil the tempter\u2019s power?
\nWho like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
\nThrough cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.<\/p>\n
\nIlls have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
\nWhere is death\u2019s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
\nI triumph still, if Thou abide with me.<\/p>\n
\nShine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
\nHeaven\u2019s morning breaks, and earth\u2019s vain shadows flee;
\nIn life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.<\/em><\/p>\n