Disclaimers:
- I am not a musical expert. The opinions I give are just my thoughts as a listener.
- The passages and theological observations made are what run through my mind when I listen. I have no spoken to the author and heard anything regarding the foundations of these passages.
Theological Comment(s): This is a must have hymn for every Christian. Many Christians find it difficult to fathom that hardships are presented as positive experience in the big picture of a life that glorifies God. This hymn comforts those in troubling times that God is the ultimate object of our comfort and strength. There are appropriate and necessary times in the Christian’s life where this hymn will lift the anxious and troubled spirit. The song functions as a prayer that allows saints to remind themselves of God’s ever present grace.
Musical Comment(s): The version above is taken from Capitol Hill Baptist Church (Washington D.C.). It preserves an older melody (I believe the original melody) that suits the tone of the song. There are other versions (Indelible Grace), but I prefer this version purely because of the melody. This version’s melody is easier on the ears and more suited for congregational worship.
Recommendations: Every Christian should be ready to read or sing this hymn at any moment’s notice. Believers who may struggle with anxiety or depression will find this a comforting hymn since it calibrates the soul to trust in graces of our sovereign God. I do recommend this song for congregational worship when appropriate (i.e., times of mourning, sermons on sufferings, or in times of tragedy).
Lyrics:
Dear refuge of my weary soul,
On Thee when sorrows rise
On Thee, when waves of troubles roll,
My fainting hope relies
To Thee I tell each rising grief
For Thou alone canst heal
Thy Word can bring a sweet relief
For every pain I feel
But oh! When gloomy doubts prevail
I fear to call Thee mine
The springs of comfort seems to fail
And all my hope decline
Yet gracious God, where shall I flee?
Thou art my only trust;
And still my soul would cleave to Thee
Though prostrate in the dust
Hast Thou not bid me seek Thy face
And shall I seek in vain?
And can the ear of sovereign grace
Be deaf when I complain?
No, still the ear of sovereign grace
Attends the mourner’s prayer
O may I ever find access
To breathe my sorrows there
Thy mercy seat is open still
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will
And wait beneath Thy feet
Thy mercy seat is open still
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will
And wait beneath Thy feet
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