I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
I know not… how an old hymn can speak so powerfully to me. I last remember singing this in church as a child perhaps 60 years ago. I love the outdated language…
When I heard it recently I discovered I still knew all of the words; the old became renewed, resonating with me again.
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His word
Wrought peace within my heart.
I know not… the depth of meaning in Christian truth. As a young man I was well taught… I learnt about grace, redemption, repentance, faith, belief…
As I’ve got older I realise that I’ve only scratched the surface in understanding the way God brings his love and peace; how I can know and experience Him in my ordinary, daily life.
I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.
I know not… how many years and months I have left. I can’t predict the future health of myself or my family… physically, spiritually, emotionally…
Time and again I’ve seen how random life and death are – the mixture of ‘weary ways and golden days’ is all too familiar.
But “I know Whom I have believed
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
But I know… despite all my insecurities and uncertainties I know… It’s a contradiction, a paradox…The more I know about life and faith the more I realise I don’t know; the more I realise I don’t know the more confident and sure I become…
It’s this conviction, that I can and will commit my life to the God who loves me and will look after me, that gives me security and hope.
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