IN HEAVENLY LOVE ABIDING
Anna Laetitia Waring (1823-1910)
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In heavenly 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?
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.
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 Saviour has my treasure,
and He will walk with me.
Hymn Background: In Heavenly Love Abiding
If you could choose just one hymn on a desert island, make it this one. It's poetic, poignant and powerful and will calm your soul no matter where you find yourself.
Outside her hymns and poems, not much is known about Anna Laetitia Waring, but perhaps that's why her poetry -- especially this month's hymn -- is so relatable.
Here's what we know about Miss Waring.
- She was born in Wales to a family of Quakers. She later joined the Church of England.
- She was born into a literary family. Both her father and uncle were published authors.
- She was active in the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society.
- Her poetry and hymns were popular and multiple editions are published.
- She was painfully shy.
We face uncertain times here on earth, but "In Heavenly Love Abiding" gives us a glimpse of the author's peace with God and trust in Him, reminding us to rest in God's presence (stanza 1), His provision, wisdom and providence (stanza 2) and our hope of eternal life (stanza 3).
