1
Not now, but in the coming years,
It may be when with Christ we stand,
We’ll read the meaning of our tears,
And there, sometime, we’ll understand.
It may be when with Christ we stand,
We’ll read the meaning of our tears,
And there, sometime, we’ll understand.
Then trust in God through all thy days;
Fear not, for He doth hold thy hand;
Though dark thy way, still sing and praise,
Sometime, sometime, we’ll understand.
Fear not, for He doth hold thy hand;
Though dark thy way, still sing and praise,
Sometime, sometime, we’ll understand.
2
We’ll catch the broken thread again,
And finish what we here began;
God will the mysteries explain,
And then, ah, then, we’ll understand.
And finish what we here began;
God will the mysteries explain,
And then, ah, then, we’ll understand.
3
We’ll know why clouds instead of sun
Were over many a cherished plan;
Why song has ceased when scarce begun;
’Tis then, sometime, we’ll understand.
Were over many a cherished plan;
Why song has ceased when scarce begun;
’Tis then, sometime, we’ll understand.
4
Why what we long for most of all,
Eludes so oft our eager hand;
Why hopes are crushed and castles fall,
Till then, sometime, we’ll understand.
Eludes so oft our eager hand;
Why hopes are crushed and castles fall,
Till then, sometime, we’ll understand.
5
God knows the way, He holds the key,
He guides us with unerring hand;
Sometime with tearless eyes we’ll see;
Yes, then, ’tis then, we’ll understand.
He guides us with unerring hand;
Sometime with tearless eyes we’ll see;
Yes, then, ’tis then, we’ll understand.
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College Park, MD, United States
I love the lyrics and melody of this song. Having recently lost my mom, in November 2022, I attended a funeral on January 19, 2024, and the lyrics and melody have been a source of strength and encouragement as we do not understand and "see through a glass dimly", but I am grateful for the encouragement and the fact that sometime, I'll understand.
In Loving and Bright Memory of my Mother, Helen Rosetta Stanley-Liburd
Rizal, Philippines
When I was in my primary grades I usually hear my cousin who was in despair at that time, singing this song. The melody and lyrics had stuck into my mind until I grew up. I acknowledge that there are situations where we might not comprehend the reasons behind certain events or hardships. However, this song reassures me that in due course, everything will become clear, and understand God’s greater plan. In the most challenging moments of our life, we are not alone, and God’s presence is with us. Let us continue to seek Him and grow in our faith so we will gain insight for life’s uncertainties and find peace in His plan for our lives.
Lyndhurst, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Many years ago my darling parents loved the words of this beautiful hymn. When my Mother and only brother died, my Father would often recite these words of comfort.
Now that life is hard, and lonely, and filled with grief, I now too recite these words to myself often. I had forgotten one of the verses and therefore find myself here at hymnal.net.
I have just read here the compact biography of Maxwell N. Cornelius. I believe the Holy Spirit-the Spirit of Love, helped this dear gentleman to pen these words of succour for those who grieve. How Wonderful is our Lord.
Sebring, Florida, United States
This was one of my Mom's favorite songs. She's been gone 15 years now.....
This is the tune I was searching for, thanks very much. Good comforting words
Cape Town, Western Cape, Africa
What beautiful words. Thank you my friend for sending it to me if only we can take heed and understand before it is too late the hymn actually tells us something.
Detroit, MI, United States
"sometime" throughout the song should be "some time". The meaning is different.
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Mr. Cornelius was brought up on a farm in my own county in Pennsylvania. He left farming when he came of age, and learned the trade of a brick-mason. Later he became a contractor in Pittsburg. In erecting a house in that city his leg was broken. The physicians decided that it would have to be amputated…He stood the operation well and came out safely, but was maimed for life. He now decided to go to college and get an education. After passing through college with honor he concluded to become a minister of the gospel. His first charge was at Altoona, Pennsylvania, but on account of his wife’s health he soon removed to California, locating at Pasadena, where he built the largest Presbyterian church in that place.
Many who had subscribed to help to pay for the building failed in business, and he was left to meet the obligations as best he could. But in a few years he had the church cleared from all debt. Shortly afterward his wife died. He preached the funeral sermon himself. At the conclusion he quoted the words of this hymn, which he had composed shortly before. Both the words of the hymn and the sermon were printed in a Western newspaper, where Major Whittle found them. Impressed by their beauty, he cut them out and carried them in his Bible for three months before he wrote the chorus…Soon after he handed the words to his friend, James McGranahan, who composed the tune to which the hymn is now sung. - Sankey's Story of the Gospel Hymns
Detroit, MI, United States
stanza 1, line 2 originally says:
It may be in the better land
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chorus, 1st line originally says "the days" instead of "thy days"
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stanza 2 line 3 originally says:
Heav'n will the mysteries explain,
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stanza 3, last line, originally says "'Tis there" instead of "'Tis then".
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stanza 5, last line originally says: "Yes, there, up there, we'll understand."
Scotland, United Kingdom
A dear friend sent a link to this lovely hymn the day after my Dad died.
The words and music are comforting and remind me always that God will never let us down . Jesus knew what it was to feel sadness, loneliness and despair, face pain and rejection and knowing that, we can come to Him, knowing He will understand exactly how we feel. Thank you.
Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
Not now, but in the coming years. I don't understand at all the meaning of "suffering" for the vision the Lord gave, but i'll just go through it, Lord. Trusting You in all my days, sing and praise though darkness. So someday I'll understand, not now I think, but someday I must know. Thank You Lord for this hymn.