“Cast all your anxiety
on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Recently we
purchased a new piano, and I’ve spent many hours trying to revive my rusty
playing skills from my music college days. I’ve never been good at playing in
front of an audience. My husband walking through the room can make me hit more
sour notes than lemonade without sugar. But I’m determined to get my skill
level up because we only have a single pianist at church, and she needs an
occasional break. I will never match her skill, but maybe I can relearn to play
well enough to allow her a Sunday off.
At any rate, I’ve
been practicing a lot of hymns, in a simplified form. One of the ones I’m
trying to learn is “God Will Take Care of You.”
As a singer, I often use hymns and songs as a way of praising God. The
music soothes me and the lyrics stick with me better than scriptures. I’ve
always loved the song, but this year with three unexpected surgeries and a major health issue I’ve had
to lean on the knowledge, a lot more than usual, that God will take care of me.
“God Will Take Care
of You” was written by husband and wife team Walter Stillman Martin (1862-1935)
and Civilla (1866-1948). During their marriage they wrote a lot of hymns, some
of which became very popular. Civilla wrote the lyrics and Walter set the words
to music. This particular song has an interesting background story I’d like to
share.
On one occasion when
Walter had a preaching engagement, his wife Civilla was ill and he was
considering staying home to care for her. His nine-year-old son encouraged his
father to go preach, saying, “Don’t you think if God wants you to preach today,
he will take care of Mother while you are away?” Walter went to his preaching engagement,
leaving his wife in God’s care.
On his return, Walter found Civilla improved. In his absence, inspired by their son’s words, she had penned the words to “God Will Take Care of You.”
Be not dismayed what e’er betide. God will take care of you.
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.
God will take care of you,
Through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.
Upon hearing the
lyrics, Walter composed the music, creating one of the best-loved hymns of the
20th century.
Listen to the words of this lovely old hymn which is as relevant in its message today as it was when it
was published in 1905. I pray that the song will bless you today and bring
God’s care closer to your heart and mind.
About the Author:
Multi-award winning author Catherine Castle loves
writing. Before beginning her career as a romance writer she worked part-time
as a freelance writer. She has over 600 articles and photographs to her credit,
under her real name, in the Christian and secular market. She also lays claim
to over 300 internet articles written on a variety of subjects and several
hundred poems. In addition to writing she loves reading, traveling, singing,
theatre, quilting and gardening. She’s a passionate gardener whose garden won a
“Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club. She writes sweet
and inspirational romances. You can find her award-winning Soul Mate books The Nun
and the Narc and A
Groom for Mama, on Amazon and
Barnes
and Noble.
I love the old hymns. They are uplifting to sing, play or listen to the words and music. The best to you on accomplishing your goal. I need to brush up on my piano playing, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marilyn. Since I have smallish hands I'm finding I need to adjust the notes whrn playing hymns. Often the left hand has more than an octave reach. I can barely make an octave. It's been challenging. Thanks for commenting.
ReplyDeleteExciting news!! Love this song and you!
ReplyDelete