Hymn #235 in Celebrating Grace Hymnal — “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
The blessings of a life with God are many and varied, and this familiar hymn explores many of them. One verse speaks of the blessings of nature—the change of the seasons (can I get an Amen for the cooler weather lately?), the constellations in their utterly predictable paths, all of nature witnessing the attentions of a good God with imagination and aspiration.
I will admit to the next verse being my favorite, though, and it’s all about the third line—“strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.” God provides for us not only what we need to get through whatever presently troubles us — worry, sorrow, fear—but offers us a view of a tomorrow bright with hope. This seems to me the gift that keeps on giving.
All I have needed, thy hand hath provided, indeed.