Download PDFIn God’s all wise providence, He often allows trials to cross our path. Some challenges seem easy to surmount. Others takes days, months, and even years to process through and grow in. During times such as this, the despair can be overwhelming. We must remember that our God is one of comfort. He calls us to commit our griefs and ways into His hands, to cast off the weight, leave all things to His sovereign will, and submit to his wondrous ways.
The tune for this piece was composed to reflect a sense of mystery. We struggle with understanding why God brings challenges in our lives. God’s undergirding comfort will triumph, bringing redemption in our lives for His glory. To this end, we chose a minor key as the home base, but liberally used the relative major key chords. As a result, the singer my have a hard time telling if it is a “sad” song or a “happy” one. It’s both.
Additionally, you’ll notice that we have not included harmony for this piece (alto, tenor, and bass). This hymn seems to work better sung in unison. Perhaps in the future we may “upgrade” it to 4 parts, but at this point, we think this plaintive song communicates the message well.
Commit thou all your griefs And ways into his hands;
To his sure truth and tender care, Who earth and heav’n commands.
Who points the clouds their course, Whom winds and seas obey,
He shall direct your wand’ring feet, He shall prepare your way.
Give to the winds your fears; Hope, and be undismayed;
God hears your sighs, and counts your tears, God shall lift up your head.
Through waves and clouds and storms He gently clears your way;
Wait for his time, so shall the night Soon end in joyous day.
Still heavy is your heart? Still sink your spirits down?
Cast off the weight, let fear depart, And every care be gone.
He everywhere has sway, And all things serve his might;
His every act pure blessing is, His path unsullied light.
Far, far above your thought His counsel shall appear,
When fully he the work has wrought That caused your needless fear.
Leave to his sovereign sway To choose and to command;
With wonder filled, you then shall own How wise, how strong his hand!Text by Paul Gerhardt, 1653, John Wesley, 1737; alt.; mod.
