The Eternal God is our refuge!

It is interesting to note the since the day when Augustus Toplady first gave to the world his immortal hymn “Rock of Ages, ” many writers after him have written similar songs with Christ as our Rock and Fortress based on Psalm 31:2.

Another hymn of like character found in many-a-hymnal, which since it was written, has been a comfort and encouragement in times of trial and tribulation, is this hymn:

“Oh, safe to the Rock that is higher than I,

My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;

So sinful, so weary, Thine, Thine would I would be;

Thou blest ‘Rock of Ages, ’ I’m hiding in Thee. ”

It was written in Moravia, New York, in 1876, by William O. Cushing. The author has recorded that “Hiding inThee” was the outcome of many tears, many heart-conflicts and soul yearnings, of which the world can know nothing. It was written during the world-wide Moody and Sankey mission.

Mr. Cushing, whose hymns had already gained considerable reputation, received a note from Sankey asking him to send something new to help him in his Gospel work. “A call from such a source and such a purpose, ” says Mr. Cushing, “ seemed a call from God. I so regarded it and prayed: ‘Lord give me something that will glorify Thee. ’ It was while thus waiting that ‘Hiding in Thee’ pressed to make itself known. ”

When Sankey received the manuscript from his friend, at once he perceived the usefulness of the hymn, and wrote a tune for its text, to which it has since been sung: a composition which, in no small measure, has contributed to the popularity of this hymn.

William O. Cushing was born at Hingham, Massachusetts, on December 31, 1823. He is also the author of several well-known hymns, including: “Jesus knows thy sorrow, ” “ Follow on! ” “Ring the bells of Heaven, ”and the children’s hymn, “When He cometh, He cometh. ”

🙏🏼 “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. ” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭61:1-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I’m hiding in Thee, Thou Rock of my soul. Thank You for being stricken, that water could also flow from You, for me to drink.

God is our rock and hiding place during this corona virus pandemic and forever.

Amen

My mother often sang this song when I was a child, she even had it on audio cassette back in the day when cassette recordings were a thing.

I didn't value it then, as I hadn't lived or had any life and world experiences.

As an adult who has overcome MANY things that was meant to overwhelm me I am deeply appreciative of this blessed work of art.

I'm grateful someone was able, many generations ago, to articulate something that my heart now expresses.

LOVE this hymn ever so much!

I am experiencing sadnees because l'm afflicted with prevailing symptoms in my body and with the absent of hearing tend to make me depressed.

But while l was praying and whining about my life situation God put this song in my spirit. l find it so comforting and refreshing. Thank God my Healer and Restorer. Amen.

The Hymn Rock of ages was inspired by 'The cleft in the Rock'. Sorry my mistake! But the Hymn 'Safe to the rock' reminded me of that cleft not far from Cheddar Gorge. England.

This Hymn came to mind during my Bible reading this morning. Psalm 46:1-11.

"Troubles come, but God outlasts them all. Those who run to the Saviour discover that He can't be shaken. In the arms of His eternal love we find our place of peace"

James Banks . Our Daily Bread.

I had the privilege for many years to live near the cleft of the rock where the inspiration of this hymn was written.

Praise the Lord for His faithfulness.

I thank God for this hymn and for the story behind it's origin. What a comfort and immense privilege that in the storms of life and whatever we are going through we can hide in Christ the Rock of our souls!