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 readings for this week can all be tied to the Jewish concept of anavah. Though it is often translated “humility,” it can more accurately be described as being right-sized—not making too much of yourself or too little. We are called to walk with humility (anavah), not exalting ourselves, but treating people with kindness, regardless of their social standing. However, this humility also means we are called to recognize that each of us has a contribution to make.
Yesterday’s devotion recalled the life of Johann Heermann, the writer of this hymn-text. With all the loss and struggles that he endured, with all the times he had to start over, he had reasons to believe that his voice did not matter. And yet in this hymn he reminds us that there are times when each of us must speak. We cannot allow an inappropriate humility to prevent us from saying words that God has called us to speak.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, “When within my place, I must and ought to speak, then to my words give grace, lest I offend the weak.” Amen.