Introduction
Words: Samuel Longfellow, Hymns of the Spirit 1864.
Music: Palmyra Joseph Summers, 1863 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Look to the Lord and His strength.
Psalm 105:4
Words: Samuel Longfellow, Hymns of the Spirit 1864.
Music: Palmyra Joseph Summers, 1863 (🔊 pdf nwc).
In a very real sense I Look to Thee in Every Need is autobiographical. It grew out of the author’s career, which was checkered by ill health and created the need for comfort and strength.
The hymn voices the author’s trust in God. Of his many beautiful hymns this was his favorite. In it he lived, worked, and prayed. He repeated it to himself before dropping asleep. With it on his lips he began the day, and it was not unusual to hear him hum it on the street.
Laufer, p. 68
I look to Thee in every need,
And never look in vain;
I feel Thy strong and tender love,
And all is well again.
The thought of Thee is mightier far
Than sin and pain and sorrow are.
Discouraged in the work of life,
Disheartened by its load,
Shamed by its failures or its fears,
I sink beside the road.
But let me only think of Thee
And then new heart springs up in me.
Thy calmness bends serene above,
My restlessness to still;
Around me flows Thy quickening life,
To nerve my faltering will.
Thy presence fills my solitude,
Thy providence turns all to good.
Enfolded deep in Thy dear love,
Held in Thy law, I stand;
Thy hand in all things I behold,
And all things in Thy hand.
Thou leadest me by unsought ways,
And turn my mourning into praise.