Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal

Nahum 1:7

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of trouble; [God] protects those who take refuge in [God].”

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“God be with you till we meet again; loving counsels guide, uphold you, with a shepherd’s care enfold you: God be with you till we meet again; unseen wings protecting, hide you, daily manna still provide you: God be with you till we meet again; when life’s perils thick confound you, put unfailing arms around you: God be with you till we meet again; keep love’s banner floating o’er you; smite death’s threatening wave before you: God be with you till we meet again.”

This hymn truly is a most comforting one as persons go their separate ways after a simple, regular gathering or a special event. It is especially poignant when persons are traveling some distance and when the persons do not know when or if they will see one another again on this earth. We are praying for God to watch over and protect us while we are absent one from another. At this time when our world has been truly shaken by COVID-19, this hymn’s words are particularly timely.

The hymnbook commentator has noted, “A North American Congregational minister (Jeremiah Eames Rankin) wrote this text as a Christian expansion of the root sense of “good-bye”: God be [with] ye/you. The tune named for a cousin (Randolph), was composed by one of the few 20^th century British composers to make a major contribution to hymnody.” Ralph Vaughan Williams wrote the music.

Prayer

O God, we thank You that nothing can ever separate us from Your love through Jesus Christ our Lord. We truly are blessed and are most grateful for Your love, care and protection. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.