The song “Oh God Our Help in Ages Past” was brought to mind by an author I was reading this morning. A unique contrast takes place in the first two verses. God is our shelter from the storm (very pertinent right now!) and yet, it’s in the shadow of what is surely the most mighty throne of all time that we find refuge. God is stronger than the mightiest display of power and yet what protects us is the mightiest power. A tangible example of how God is as C.S. Lewis said “…not safe but He is good.”
Verse 1
O God our Help in ages past Our Hope for years to come Our Shelter from the stormy blast And our eternal Home
Verse 2
Under the shadow of Thy throne Still may we dwell secure Sufficient is Thine arm alone And our defense is sure
Verse 3
Before the hills in order stood Or earth received her frame From everlasting Thou art God To endless years the same
Verse 4
A thousand ages in Thy sight Are like an evening gone Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun
Verse 5
Time like an ever rolling stream Bears all its sons away They fly forgotten as a dream Dies at the op’ning day
Verse 6
O God our Help in ages past Our Hope for years to come Be Thou my Guide while life shall last And our eternal Home