GODS PROMISE Psalms 105:42 “For he remembered his holy promise” A hymn on the sure promises of God and some of the things He has not promised. The text was written by Annie Johnson Flint who was born on December 24, 1866 in Vineland, New Jersey. She lost both parents before she was six years old and was adopted by a childless couple. She became afflicted with arthritis as a teen and soon became unable to walk. She aspired to be a composer and concert pianist but when illness deprived her of her ability to play the piano, she resorted to writing poetry. Later in life, being unable to open her hands, she wrote many of her poems on the typewriter, using her knuckles. On September 8, 1932, she went on to be with the Lord where pain and suffering are no more. Most everyone I talk to about this hymn say that it is one of their favorites. I have often seen this poem on sympathy cards and is included in many devotionals. The version we sing in our Primitive Baptist hymnals is unique as it leaves off two original verses and adds a verse that was not written by Ms. Flint. Additionally, the tune is unique to the Primitive Baptists as it was written by Elder J. Harvey Daily. Here is the original poem: God hath not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through; God hath not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, Peace without pain. God has not promised we shall not know Toil and temptation, trouble and woe; He has not told us, we shall not bear Many a burden, many a care. God hath not promised smooth roads and wide, Swift easy travel, needing no guide. Never a mountain rocky and steep, Never a river turbid and deep But God hath promised strength for the day, Rest for the labor, light for the way, Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing sympathy, undying love. Here is the additional stanza found only in Primitive Baptist hymnals: Though we have mingled sunshine and rain Clouds decked with rainbows, joy mixed with pain. Let us still trust his mercies right on, And sing his praises all the day long. It is my opinion that Elder T. R. Crawford of Florida wrote it as he is given credit for the words in several Primitive Baptist songbooks. I think it is a lovely verse and concludes the hymn so well. It marries the first and second verses together and then encourages us to move forward in faith and hope. It teaches that we have so much to be thankful for and that we can joyfully sing even when attended by pain. When I consider the suffering that Ms. Flint endured, I am determined to complain a lot less and praise the Lord a lot more. Her story makes the song so much more enduring to me and I believe that she would amen the third stanza. The last line may be unique amongst the Old Baptists, but what it teaches is universal.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 11:47:21 +0000