Watts: Our God, our help in ages past

Tuesday, November 26, 2024
    Commemoration of Isaac Watts, Hymnwriter, 1748
Meditation:
Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born
    or you brought forth the earth and the world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
You turn men back to dust,
    saying, “Return to dust, O sons of men.”
For a thousand years in your sight
    are like a day that has just gone by,
    or like a watch in the night.
    —Psalm 90:1-4 (NIV)
Quotation:
Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come;
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of thy throne,
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is thine arm alone,
And our defence is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth receiv’d her frame;
From everlasting thou art God;
To endless years the same.

A thousand ages, in thy sight,
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night,
Before the rising sun.

Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be thou our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.
    ... Isaac Watts (1674-1748), Psalms of David Imitated [1719], in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, ed. Samuel Melanchthon Worcester, Boston: Crocker & Brewster, 1834, Ps. 90, first part, p. 186-187 (see the book)
    See also Ps. 90:1-4; Deut. 33:27; Ps. 46:1; 71:3; 91:1; Isa. 8:13-14; Heb. 1:10-12; 13:8; 2 Pet. 3:8; 1 John 4:16; Rev. 1:8
Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, I seek the safety of Your shelter.

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