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
Anne

Sta Maria, Bulacan, Philippines

I really enjoy singing this song. The Lord's grace is sufficient to us. His power is perfected in our weaknesses.


Carrie Ramer

New Paris, Indiana, United States

I heard it as a teenager, very good message, glad to hear it again.


Priscilla Nakitto

Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Alleluia...!!!!!!!!


Barbara Hemme

Poplar Bluff, MO, United States

This is also a poem, I am going to try to find it. These words I have read, sang, and heard in times of great sorrow, close to my heart, like Jesus speaking to my deepest heart.

Thank you,

Barbara Hemme


M.C.

San Antonio, TX, United States

I appreciate this new tune so much. It complements the comforting words from our dear Lord's word. Thank You, dear Lord!


Shirley

Pasadena, TX, United States

This song was sent to my mother when my dad was very sick. I was a young teen and now I am 84. Through the years it has brought comfort many, many times.


Carol Lockerman

Edgewood, MD, United States

We had this in a frame above the kitchen sink all my life for us to read and remember while we washed many many dishes. I have sent it to many friends when they are going through hard times.


Christiana

Irvine, CA, United States

Lord, never did You tell us our lives would be perfect. Never did You promise us a life without mistakes, trials, heartbreak and sorrow. These things are inevitable. However, Lord, You have given us assurance of strength and endurance. When we are in You, we can find refuge and rest. We know that we can lean on You when life throws us curveballs. Lord, You know what is on our hearts and You know why our tears fall. I just want to learn to trust You, oh Lord, in the midst of these obstacles. Amen.


George Brayford

Newcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom

All His promises are for our good. They are all 'Yea and Amen in Christ Jesus'.


Mike Cowart

Richardson, Texas, United States

Once in my business, family and personal health, I was having a trying time, and surely the despair was so heavy a burden that I opened my situation to a group of brothers. Each prayed and encouraged me so much...but one...an absent brother... wrote from a long distance..."when I am troubled I often turn to this hymn".

Now I am quick to sing this hymn to the Lord and thank Him for His promises.

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.