Today’s hymn is another the Olney Hymns, first published in 1779, and is written by William Cowper. The hymn is based on the beautiful prophecy of Isaiah 60:15-20, spoken to God’s people in exile. It was noted by JR Watson that Cowper’s hymns feel like they are written by a fellow struggler, and that is true of this hymn – yet there is hope with eyes of faith. I hope you read and meditate on this one with eyes of hope today. Enjoy!
Hear what God the Lord has spoken
“O my people, faint and few
Comfortless, afflicted, broken
Fair abodes I build for you
Thorns of heartfelt tribulation
Shall no more perplex your ways
You shall name your walls Salvation
And your gates shall all be Praise”
There, like streams that feed the garden
Pleasures without end shall flow
For the Lord, your faith rewarding
All His bounty shall bestow
Still in undisturbed possession
Peace and righteousness shall reign
Never shall you feel oppression
Nor hear the voice of war again
See no more your sun’s descending
Waning moons no more shall be
But your griefs forever ending
Find eternal noon in me
God shall rise, and shining o’er you
Change to day the gloom of night
He, the Lord, shall be your glory
God, your Everlasting Light
Hymn of the Day 