Music lovers packed Fallowfield United Methodist Church on April 30 for an old-fashioned hymn sing.
People called out favorite hymns including, “I Surrender All,” “In the Garden,” “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” “Standing on the Promises,” and “He Lives.” Someone always chooses “In the Garden” at hymn sings. It must be one of the most popular hymns of all time. At least it is in the Atlantic community.
High Street Church’s Praise Band played Don Moen’s classic, “God Is Good All the Time,” an original song titled “I Can Do All Things Through Christ,” composed by Chandra Moss, and Matt Redmand’s hit song, “10,000 Reasons.” Band members include Tim McKay on bass guitar, Jeff Ewig on drums, and Chandra Moss on keyboard.
Arden McConnell shared the story behind “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” It was written by Thomas Chisholm, a Methodist insurance salesman. It wasn’t written under any special circumstances; it was just Chisholm’s impression of God’s faithfulness. The hymn is based on Lamentations 3:22-23 and James 1:17. Arden then sang the first two verses and invited the congregation to sing the last verse of this popular hymn.
We closed the hymn sing with “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” by Thomas A. Dorsey. This is one of my favorite hymns. The lyrics that touch my heart are “Precious Lord, take my hand, / lead me on, let me stand, / I am tired, I am weak, I am worn….”
As I write this, I am tired and worn. I’ve had a busy week. My busyness was all fun – but still fatiguing. Running from event to event, hosting get-togethers, and going to meetings and church activities…it all wears me down.
I don’t mean to complain. I’m thankful I have my health and can be on the go when necessary. But I need down time. I can’t run around all the time or have constant social interaction. If I do, something inside me screams to retreat. I have to have my alone time to recuperate. It’s how I’m wired.
“Precious Lord, take my hand...I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.” I’m so thankful the Lord does take my hand when I’m tired and worn. The Bible says, “[The Lord] will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4 NIV) God never gets tired. Isn’t that comforting? The One who walks with me every step of my life takes my hand when I am tired, and he never gets weary. What a comfort this is.
Have a wonderful week. Blessings!