1
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
2
Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defence is sure.
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defence is sure.
3
Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.
4
A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.
5
Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.
Bears all its sons away;
They fly forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.
6
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life shall last,
And our eternal home.
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life shall last,
And our eternal home.
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Charlotte, NC, United States
Trust in Him; He is our refuge and strength, a very help in time of trouble (Ps 461: 1-3
This morning it seemed for a varity of reasons that anxiety was overwhelming me, I gave Him my emotions and called to HIm. This ancient hymn came floating into my mind for the first time in decades. From when I was a kid in church. Even then through the music He was stuffing me with His truth and pulled it up today. The tune came first but I had to ske for the words. They came.
I beieve the mountains and hills the change and the roaring sea are metaphorical ( in our current day and age) for the man made security structions that usually seem to be near. They fail, but He is our refuge and strength forever.
Ilorin, Nigeria
when I was in the kidnappers den for four days, the Holy Spirit brought this song into my heart, although I did not know the wording but kept humming the ryhme in my heart throughout. Although a harrowing experience, the Lord delivered me from the stormy blast and He is indeed my eternal home... I had to search for the song when I returned and couldn't sing the second stanza when tears started rolling on my cheeks.... may His name be eternally praised!
Tampa, FL, United States
Charlotte Bronte included this beloved hymn in the critical turning point chapter of her masterpiece novel "Shirley."
Storrs, Connecticut, United States
If you ever visit South Hampton, down on the lower coast of England, you might be pleasantly surprised to hear the city bell tower ring out the tune of, “Oh, God, our help in ages past, ” right at the stroke of 12 noon. Written by Isaac Watts, who came from that great city, it has become a notable hymn, played at critical national events in Britain, including when Britain declared war at the start of World War II, as well as the funeral of Winston Churchill, arguably the greatest Englishman, who ever lived. Composed at another crucial moment in British history, when Queen Anne lay dying 300 years ago, without having left an heir to the throne, and leaving a lot of uncertainty about the nation’s future. It reflects some of the words of psalm 90. A rather somber statement written by Moses near the end of his life, this song reminds us that, just as God has watched over and guided us in the past, so He will do so in the future as well. These same thoughts are expressed in the hymn.
Rev. L. Codington
Nigeria
As I was praying this morning this song came to my mind. I searched for it, sang it and I was relieved of my burden. I believe the Lord is in control and will do us the Best in Jesus Name. Amen.
Kaduna, Nigeria
I can’t but express my gratitude to God my Ebenezer. I pray for the sister in Miami that God will turn mourning to Joy. Because God is with her and has never left. His mercy will her through, IJN
Annetta, TX, United States
I don’t know who—-probably the Methodists—-changed the words of the second line in the fifth verse. I used to sing the song as written when I was a kid, but in the current Methodist Hymnal the line now reads “Bears all who breathe away”.
I fear we’re lost.
Brooklyn, New York, United States
As I was praying this morning this song came to my mind I remember singing this song as a child growing up in Barbados such an inspiration. We know that our GOD is everything. Just trust in Him.
Torquay, United Kingdom
God is good.
Ghana
I love love love this song.
The lyric, the tune, everything about it is soothing. So refreshing.