Thursday, January 25, 2018

"Sufficient is thine arm alone, and our defense is sure."

“Hymn: “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” – Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Tune: ST. ANNE

“Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have won the victory on his behalf.” (Psalm 98:1)

Since we dealt with being hidden in the hollow of the hand of God yesterday, it seems only right that we would move up to the arm.

“Sufficient” is a good word. Synonyms would be adequate, enough, satisfactory, appropriate, ample. These almost seem to underestimate the arm of God! While absolutely correct, sufficient isn’t as high-arching a term as we usually associate with God. However, when we need his support, enough is plenty! An ample arm will do. [Note: when referring to several items, sufficient can mean “abundant”; that’s a more biblical/church-sounding term.]

So many of our hymns refer to how God is working overtime on the defensive squad, protecting us from all invaders.  The mighty fortress he has erected on our behalf is not one that can easily be dismantled in a raid or over-run in an attack.

When discussing architecture, two of the necessities for any building are that it will stand and it will withstand. That pretty much describes the sure nature of the shielding feature of Almighty God.

He is plenty. He is sure. That’s reason enough to sing to the Lord a new song… or this old one!

Frederick Swan Plays His Famous Setting of This Hymn

[Just so you know, I have hymns about fingers and shoulders yet to come!]

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Hymnlines - Hemlines: Get it?! :)

Hymnlines - Hemlines: Get it?! :)