My Times are in Thy Hand

This has been a tough week. Not so much for me personally, but my mind has been filled with the griefs and troubles of others. Some of these people have been close friends, some acquaintances, some have been people I've heard about from someone else or in the news. It's just another verification of the truth of God's Word. Paul and Barnabas went from city to city "confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith and that 'we must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God.'" How very true. Through much tribulation. The truth of this is brought home to us time and again.

For this week's hymn, I was trying to find just the right one that would capture what's in my heart today. There are people who read this blog, dear and close friends, whom I would like to have drawn upward to our Lord where they might receive strength. After a bit, I settled on "My Times are in Thy Hand." Actually, it was just last month that I talked about this hymn on my other blog, but for some reason, I think this is the one that God would have for the hurting folks I know or for someone this week. Only He knows. It just was impressed on me that it's the one.

This time, I'm not going to talk about the hymn's author or origin--I'm just going to post all five stanzas. Please, go to the Cyber Hymnal so that you can meditate on the words with the tune playing. Often, the tempo at CH is a little too fast for my liking, but on this one it's just right. (At least for me.)

God bless you dear friends, whoever you may be, as you reflect on these wonderful words--a prayer to our God.

My times are in Thy hand;

My God, I wish them there;

My life, my friends, my soul I leave

Entirely to Thy care.

My times are in Thy hand;

Whatever they may be,

In joy or pain; 'tho dark or bright,

As best may seem to Thee.

My times are in Thy hand;

Why should I doubt or fear?

My Father's hand will never cause

His child a needless tear.

My times are in Thy hand;

Jesus, the Crucified;

Those hands my cruel sins had pierced

Are now my guard and guide.

My times are in Thy hand;

I'll always trust in Thee;

And, after death, at Thy right hand

I shall forever be.

~William F. Lloyd 1824