Lord you have always given….

On Tuesday a group of us from church met in our home. We shared concerns, prayed for each other and our friends, and read together this expression of our faith from the Northumbrian Community. We’ve shared it before. Lynn said: ‘Did you know it’s been set to music?’ I didn’t.

Lord, You have always given
bread for the coming day;
and though I am poor,
today I believe.

Lord, You have always given
strength for the coming day;
and though I am weak,
today I believe.

Lord, You have always given
peace for the coming day;
and though of anxious heart,
today I believe.

Lord, You have always kept
me safe in trials;
and now, tried as I am,
today I believe.

Lord, You have always marked
the road for the coming day;
and though it may be hidden,
today I believe.

Lord, You have always lightened
this darkness of mine;
and though the night is here,
today I believe.

Lord, You have always spoken
when time was ripe;
and though you be silent now,
today I believe.

I find it helpful because each statement…

…starts with ‘Lord’. Naturally I focus on me – my family, my friends, my problems, my joys, my agenda, my needs. Here I’m brought to centre my thoughts on God, my creator, shepherd, guide, boss, mentor, friend…

…reminds me of God’s faithfulness. When we got married we sung the old hymn ‘Great is thy faithfulness’. Fifty two years later I can say ‘Lord you have always…’ because He has always been there for me, my source of help, comfort, strength and hope.

… confesses my foolishness and inadequacy. I’m weak and anxious. On my own I mess things up, I don’t know the answers, I forget, want an easy, comfortable life, I fail to reach anywhere near the best version of myself. I stay humble.

…God’s sometimes apparent absence. This week I’ve been reminded several times of the story of Job. Job had lost everything – family, home, possessions, reputation, health. God appeared absent or not caring. In his all of his suffering Job hung in there.

…confirms my faith. Today has questions; tomorrow has uncertainties. I deliberately, intentionally, unequivocally, declare that I believe in the ‘Lord you have always…’ God. I’m reminded ‘He’s got the whole world in his hands’. I put myself into those big, strong, reliable hands.