I don’t remember when I first heard that quote but I recall a young Bible student frequently using it especially as we sang Christmas carols. I am sure that many parents would have appreciated, albeit temporarily, a baby of whom it was said, “No crying He makes!”
Some years ago, when I was facing a major challenge because of my manager, I was advised to discuss the situation with a senior executive. During our conversation, I was asked, “Would you like me to transfer you to another office?” Flashing through my mind came the thought that there was a possibility that, after my transfer, my current manager would be transferred to the same office, and I would have the same problem in a different location. Quickly following on from that thought came a phrase from a hymn – “It is Christ we are serving”. In those few seconds, I found myself responding with, “No, thank you, sir”.
Walking back to the office, I was reminded of that phrase, and it was as though someone said to me, “It is not the manager who is the problem, it is you”. What amazed me was that from that moment the manager was no longer an issue, and it wasn’t because he changed. In the hymn, “You are my hiding place” I like to link two phrases as I remind myself, “Whenever I feel afraid, I will trust in You”.
Yes, hymnology may not be theology, but there are many times when phrases from “spiritual songs” may remind us of Bible truths.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the many ways You use to encourage and challenge us and therefore ask for Your guidance to those who write words that will be beneficial to us. AMEN