O God, My Faithful God (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 806)
1 O God, my faithful God,
true fountain ever flowing,
without whom nothing is,
all perfect gifts bestowing:
give me a healthy frame,
and may I have within
a conscience free from blame,
a soul unstained by sin.
2 Give me the strength to do
with ready heart and willing
whatever you command,
my calling here fulfilling–
to do it when I ought,
with all my might– and bless
whatever I have wrought,
for you must give success.
3 Keep me from saying words
that later need recalling;
guard me, lest idle speech
may from my lips be falling;
but when, within my place,
I must and ought to speak,
then to my words give grace,
lest I offend the weak.
4 When dangers gather round,
oh, keep me calm and fearless;
help me to bear the cross
when life seems dark and cheerless;
help me, as you have taught,
to love both great and small,
and, by your Spirit’s might,
to live at peace with all.
Text: Johann Heermann; Music: Ahasuerus Fritsch; Public Domain
Devotion
The author of this hymn, Johann Heermann, Lutheran poet and pastor, (1585-1647) often battled with health issues and had three older siblings who all died in childhood. His first wife died, and he and his second wife and family lost all their worldly possessions several times. In a ten-year span beginning in1632, his village was plundered by the Pope’s troops four times.
When we read these lyrics, we can be tempted to see the author as someone who moved from one success to another, someone blessed with a healthy frame and a clear conscience. Instead, Heermann often had very little strength and failing health. He took what he had, even when it was paltry, and placed it in the Lord’s hands. His confidence was not in his own abilities, but in his faithful God—a God who would accomplish holy purposes through a surrendered life.
Prayer
Lord, help me to follow your guidance, even when I doubt my own abilities and strength. Give me the faith to trust that you are at work in ways I cannot see. Amen.