a Hymn Devotion for 3 June 2025 Anno Domini,
the Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
This hymn summarizes the hope and security we have in Christ. It proclaims the one sure way to know if we belong to Christ or some other. That is through the agency of love. The hymn is written by Anna Letitia Waring (1823-1910) to the Finnish tune, Nyland, in 1850.
Click here to watch and listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT0r9DaGbmQ
IN HEAVENLY LOVE ABIDING
1 In heav’nly love abiding,
no change my heart shall fear;
and safe is such confiding,
for nothing changes here.
The storm may roar without me,
my heart may low be laid,
but God is round about me,
and can I be dismayed?
2 Wherever He may guide me,
no want shall turn me back;
my Shepherd is beside me,
and nothing can I lack.
His wisdom ever waketh;
His sight is never dim.
He knows the way He taketh,
and I will walk with Him.
3 Green pastures are before me
which yet I have not seen.
Bright skies will soon be o’er me,
where darkest clouds have been.
My hope I cannot measure;
my path to life is free.
My Savior is my treasure,
and He will walk with me.
1 In heav’nly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear; and safe is such confiding, for nothing changes here. The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid, but God is round about me, and can I be dismayed? The term in our first line, abide, does not mean to sojourn but rather to live in permanent communion with the Lord. Christ is the Ark and dwelling place of the Christian. The Ark of Noah was designed to withstand the terrible torrents of a worldwide sea that was fed by the opening of the fountains of the deep and a deluge of water from on high; yet, the Ark was perfectly secure despite its being lifted up on the mighty waves of a tumultuous sea. That Ark was a place of security into which God called Noah and his family. Just as the walls of Noah’s Ark were strong and stable in protecting Noah, so are the arms of Christ surrounding His elect children. Christ is our Ark of Security against the storms and floods of life. His arms are mighty to save. Just as not a single soul was lost in the Ark, neither shall Christ lose a single soul whom the Father has placed in His care.
2 Wherever He may guide me, no want shall turn me back; my Shepherd is beside me, and nothing can I lack. His wisdom ever waketh; His sight is never dim. He knows the way He taketh, and I will walk with Him. Not only does our Good Shepherd know the way, but He is the Way – the only way to Heaven. There is no greater comfort than that of knowing that, regardless the threatening storms and tumults of life, He is right beside to command a calm. He is not a hireling of recent hire, but a seasoned shepherd who not only loves, but owns, His sheep. He knows of all the springs of living waters and the lush green pastures of rest and feeding. Christ is all-seeing and never sleeps. He will neither forsake nor leave us.
3 Green pastures are before me which yet I have not seen. Bright skies will soon be o’er me, where darkest clouds have been. My hope I cannot measure; my path to life is free. My Savior is my treasure, and He will walk with me. There are long walks of life when the green pastures seem to be a dream unfulfilled, but following Christ demands patience and faith. Do not be deterred by hopeless abandon. Continue the march as a good soldier, seasoned and well-trained. Christ is the only treasure that endures every threat. In the end of all things, He is the only treasure that remains. I have read a quote on the a of the study of a friend that reads, “He that has Jesus Christ and much wealth, has no more than he who has Jesus Christ alone.” A simple motto with unassailable truth.
