Faithful to Watch Over Me

/ Gail Johnson / 16 Comments

And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me? (Genesis 16:13 KJV)

In my last devotion, I asked readers to share their favorite hymns. Stephanie A. Daniels shared the following song. I went in search of the music and lyrics for I had never heard of this precious gem. Sadly, it is hard to find.

About the Author

Frank E. Graeff was a minister with a cheerful disposition but often suffered from bouts of doubt and depression. I believe the words are a testimony of what he came to know in his life because he asks questions and then supplies the answers. So, if you’re wondering does Jesus care, rest assured He does!

Does Jesus Care?

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?

Refrain:

O yes, He cares- I know He cares!
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 

Proverbs 15:3 KJV
Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near? [Refrain]

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Psalm 121:3 KJV
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief I find no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long? [Refrain]

But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Luke 15:20-24 KJV
Does Jesus care when I’ve said goodbye
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
Is it aught to Him? Does He see? [Refrain]

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:4 KJV

Does Jesus Care? | Frank E. Graeff | Public Domain

The Invitation

/ Gail Johnson / 11 Comments

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelations 3:20)

Photo courtesy Kris Schulze from Pexels

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Faithful in Love

/ Gail Johnson / 13 Comments 
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; 
thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah Psalm 32:7

There’s no better way to celebrate February than by giving thanks for God’s love.

I found “Wonderful Wonderful Jesus!” while plundering through my old Broadman Hymnal. The words caught my attention because Anna B. Russell (1862-1954) wrote about several scenarios a person can experience on this journey, like isolation, temptation, grief, and burdens. Her verses also include God’s love, forgiveness, care, and protection. To me, that made it the perfect song to share this month. Written in 1921, I was delighted with the tune (Ernest O. Sellers) and the musical version I found.

Verse One

There is never a day so dreary,
there is never a night so long,
but the soul that is trusting Jesus
will somewhere find a song.

Life can seem dreary and unending when trouble seems to be on every corner with no relief in sight. But if our focus is on the blessings of God, we can find comfort by singing hymns and spiritual songs to the One Who can make a difference.

I believe it is something we need to practice more and more. We pray for things to get better, but we read in our Bibles that things will get worse. If we can’t find a song in our hearts now, how will we find one then? May we all learn to focus on what matters.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

Refrain

Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus,
in the heart He implanteth a song:
a song of deliverance, of courage, of strength,
in the heart He implanteth a song.

Verse Two

There is never a cross so heavy,
there is never a weight of woe,
but that Jesus will help to carry
because He loveth so. [Refrain]

In certain circumstances, there is only One Who can help us. Others can pray, but only God can deliver. In those times, we need to cling to Him. God will never forsake us. He is our strength.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalm 28:7

Verse Three

There is never a care or burden,
there is never a grief or loss,
but that Jesus in love will lighten
when carried to the cross. [Refrain]

I can’t tell you how often I’ve carried a load of care or loss rather than taking it to Jesus. Why do we wait to bring our burdens to Him when He waits for us to draw near?

 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Isaiah 40:29

Verse Four

There is never a guilty sinner,
there is never a wandering one,
but that God can in mercy pardon
thro’ Jesus Christ, His Son. [Refrain]

Isn’t this a glorious verse? The words should make our hearts sing. Jesus died for us, and through that sacrifice, God pardons our sins. What an incredible thought to ponder. Just that knowledge should give us joy through the darkest nights.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Closing

Have you ever been in the middle of a trial when suddenly, a song came to mind and soothed your heart and soul? If not, I’d like to encourage you to add listening to hymns and worship songs to your Bible study. In Ephesians 5, Paul writes, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” How can we be reminded of something when it wasn’t there in the first place? God has given us songs of deliverance. Find the lyrics that speak to you and keep them near.

Journal Prompt: Do you have a favorite hymn? Find a copy of the words. What is the first scripture that comes to mind when reading the lyrics? Why not use the song as a Bible study?

Prayer Prompt: Thank you, Lord, for giving us songs of deliverance. Songs to sing in good and bad times. Help me sing Your praises no matter my circumstances, for You are faithful to me. May I . . .

*****

Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus! Public Domain

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