Abide with Me (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 629)
1 Abide with me, fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
2 Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
change and decay in all around I see.
O thou who changest not, abide with me.
3 I need thy presence every passing hour;
what but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me.
4 I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless;
ills have no weight and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still if Thou abide with me!
5 Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes;
shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
Devotion
One of the two versions of the occasion of Henry Lyte’s writing of this hymn states that it was during a transitional time in his life, after leaving his ministry “because of health.” As we age, we become more and more aware of the challenges that arise physically and mentally. Our health may be tested or impaired, often leading to adaptation in our daily lives. And, as our world as a whole is changing so rapidly in these times, it is easy to lose one’s footing, one’s direction, one’s confidence, feeling alone and alien in the midst of change and uncertainty. It is easy to lose hope. The words of Lyte’s hymn are a plea for God’s presence and a declaration of our faith that though the world around us is constantly changing, we may trust in God’s promise to abide with us through all the hours of each day and all the days of our lives. Though everything around us changes, God changes not.
Prayer
Unchanging and loving God, be with all who wrestle with uncertainty, change, and loneliness. Assure them of your presence and grant them peace. Amen.