God Hath Not Promised (1)

1
God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
  But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
  Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
2
God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.
3
God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river, turbid and deep.
75
Dee

This is my favorite poem. As a teen, I kept a copy in my wallet. Read it so many times the paper became unreadable. I have shared it with friends and family. And here I am 50 years later still loving this poem. Definitely words to live by...they have helped me through the years.


Claudia Duran

Wintergarden, Fl, United States

I recently found out I had a treatable cancer, this song reminds me of what God has promised; to be our strenght for the day...Grace for the trials ...undying love. I pray the Lord establish our steps toward His word, increase our persue of Him, keep our eyes on Him and not in our situations, because He is working ALL things for good to those us who love Him.


David Holland

Orange, CA, United States

And the song goes on. I wrote in my diary, 'In going through the deep waters of night faith' these who have gone before have not drowned, but keep on going and trust God in the process. I am so grateful to the Lord Jesus, that He does not give up on my/us during these times of seeing in the dark.


Heather Butler

Moe, Victoria, Australia

I thank God so much for letting me know this song, it has pulled my out of dark days so many times and nights when I can't sleep as well as the song 'I need Thee, Oh I need Thee.' Thank You dear Lord.


Lovely Granada

Philippines

Oh Lord Jesus!!! I should have heard this song during my darkest hours and days... Now I am not going back. I look at those experiences with God's dealing and transformation in view. Hallelujah for God sovereignly arranges our environment until we no longer live our own but the image of His Son, Jesus! AMEN!!!


Mariam

Yerevan, Armenia

This hymn makes me cry! The lyrics are so nice, and comfort at hard times! Amen Lord Jesus!


Bobbie Barber

MS

I did not know this was a song. I had it on a bookmark as a poem. I read it every day for many months. It did not have the 3rd verse. I, too, have copied it and given it to friends. It has been an encouragement to me and seemed as though it was written for me. Thank You God for always carrying me through the good and the bad. I love and praise You, today and every day!


Cass

Richmond, Virginia

The 1st 2 verses of this song were sent to me by a family friend in Oct. of 2001 after the unexpected death of my father. For the past 10 years it has hung on my fridge to be seen everyday. I had no idea it was a hymn. I have shared it with others who have gone through difficult times. It is a powerful statement.


Naomi

Dunedin, New Zealand

Praise the Lord! This song is my favorite! Lord, I am so in love with You!!!


Pam C.

Calhoun, GA, United States

In sorrowful times, this hymn has always helped me most. Thanks be to God for inspiring its author!

As an elderly person, I have passed through a great many different experiences in human life. Many unpleasant things have happened to me. There is no such thing as a life without difficulties. As the line from a hymn says, "God hath not promised skies always blue" (Hymns, #720). But although I have passed through many situations of unhappiness and unpleasantness, I have been a happy person because I have the Lord Jesus. Even the demons can testify that I am happy in the Lord. I do not have the Lord Jesus merely in an objective way as the One in the heavens. My Christ is both in the heavens and also in me. Hallelujah, Christ lives in me, and I can breathe Him, drink of Him, and feast upon Him! Daily I enjoy the best breathing, drinking, and eating.

As fallen ones, we may have the fallen natural concept that if we fear God, serve Him, love Him, and follow Him, we will prosper in everything; the unhealthy will become healthy and the foolish will become wise. However, God has not promised this. Hymns, #720 was written by an experienced Christian. Verse 1 and the chorus say,

...

Many times, God has placed those who love Him into trials and sufferings that they may experience more of Him. When everything is calm and peaceful, we seldom think of enjoying God and know very little about experiencing the Lord. Only when we fall into sufferings can we be humbled to trust the Lord wholeheartedly, call on Him, and enjoy Him.