Moment by Moment

30 Nov

Moment by Moment

While leafing through an old hymnbook, I came across a favorite hymn that I had not sung for years. “Moment by Moment” (Words by May Whittle Moody 1870-1963, tune by Daniel W. Whittle 1840-1901) effectively expresses our Biblical hope in God’s Son. Here are the words:

Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine. Living with Jesus, a new life divine. Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine. Moment by moment, O Lord, I am thine.

Chorus: Moment by moment I’m kept in His love. Moment by moment I’ve life from above. Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine. Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.

Never a trial that He is not there. Never a burden that He doth not bear. Never a sorrow that he doth not share. Moment by moment I’m under His care.

Never a heartache and never a groan. Never a teardrop and never a moan. Never a danger but there on the throne, Moment by moment He thinks of His own.

Never a weakness that He doth not feel. Never a sickness that He cannot heal. Moment by moment, in woe or in weal, Jesus my Saviour, abides with me still.

While the lilting tune is lovely and delightful to sing, the words capture the yearning of every one of us in a world entirely out of our individual control. It begins with the relationship of belonging, not just to anyone, but to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus
Christ. John 1:12-13 remarks the nature of our relationship as that of children who are chosen for adoption: “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name, which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

The third stanza of the song reminds us that we are in His care. 1 Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you”, is a direct statement of the theme of God’s care found throughout the Bible. The provision of water and manna to the children of Israel in the wilderness is only one example of God’s care for His own. With a reminder of God’s concern for us, Philippians 4:6-7 prompts us to “be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

In addition, we are the subject of His thoughts. Psalm 139:17-18 describes this with “how precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.” Jesus is so concerned for our welfare that 1 John 2:1-2 depicts Him as our “advocate”, or lawyer, before God: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the [appeasement] for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

His compassion was demonstrated throughout the New Testament when he healed, fed, and delivered the people around Him (for example Mark 1:41, Matt. 15:32, and Luke 8:30). Psalm 86:15 describes Jesus in these terms: “but thou, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”

He desires our fellowship moment by moment and He promises never to leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5). God said it, I believe it, and that settles it.

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Prayer Request: Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. Dan had a week off work last week and was able to rest and come back refreshed. Please pray for my broken arm to heal. It is still very painful and fragile, so there are many things Dan has to take care of that I normally would do. Also, pray for safety and direction for us today as Dan will be having his second infusion.