Abide With Me

When I saw the first stanza to this hymn, I knew I had to look up the rest. Although I appreciate the whole hymn, I must say that the first stanza remains my favorite. (I have removed several stanzas, the whole hymn may be found here.) The author of this hymn, Henry F. Lyte, penned these words three weeks before he went to be with the Lord. They remain a comfort and solace for many Christians in difficult times. What a beautiful reminder that though all else changes, the Lord is unchanging! In life and death, sorrow and joy, He will still abide with us.

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
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