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O GOD, OUR HELP
IN AGES PAST
O God, our help
in ages past, our hope for years to come,
our shelter from
the stormy blast, and our eternal home.
Under the shadow
of your throne your saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is
your arm alone, and our defense is sure.
Before the hills
in order stood or earth received its frame,
from everlasting
you are God, to endless years the same.
A thousand ages
in your sight are like an evening gone,
short as the
watch that ends the night before the rising sun.
Time, like an
ever-rolling stream, soon bears us all away;
we fly forgotten,
as a dream dies at the op’ning day.
O God, our help
in ages past, our hope for years to come,
still be our
guard while troubles last and our eternal home.
Text: Isaac Watts,
1674-1748
Psalm 90 provides
the scriptural foundation for this hymn. It has always been one of
my favorites because it captures the infinite timelessness of God
compared with my temporary nature. Its text makes it a standard
hymn for All Saints Sunday.
The Lutheran Book
of Worship contains six of the original nine verses. My favorite
verse is the last one printed above.
This hymn has
been sung on a number of important occasions. It was the closing
hymn for the last service held on the Titanic. It has been
vocalized at the funerals of a number of our presidents
—
the last being the memorial service of President Gerald Ford.
Years ago when I was in the choir at Gustavus Adolphus College, we
would sing this hymn at the conclusion of a concert. It was
offered as a statement of faith and a prayer of thanksgiving.
This song was
sung at our wedding. I have requested that it be included in my
funeral service.
Father, I rest in
the knowledge that you are always there for me
—
past, present and future. I thank you for your love and guidance,
for you are “our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal
home.”
The Rev. Richard
Monson, Interim Pastor
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