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
Candy Dolin

Fayetteville, West Virginia, United States

This is my favorite poem of all time. Whenever I'm thinking I'm having a bad day, I read this and it instantly makes me smile and feel all better. Thank You God!


Delma Lorena

Cebu, Minglanilla, Philippines

Praise the Lord for this song. I'm so touched by the promise of God that gives grace for having the trials, for our journey in life is always temptations and trouble but He hath not told us we shall not bear. Amen. Praise the Lord...Yes, joy, sorrow, peace without pain. Lord Jesus...


Loyz

Oroquieta, Philippines

Wthout trials and sufferings, the Lord have no ground to manifest Himself as Grace and Mercy to us! Amen. Praise the LORD! Amen the trials, welcome tribulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ruth

Hornchurch, London, United Kingdom

When I was a child some 60 years ago I had this poem framed on my bedside mantelpiece. It seemed very old fashioned to me then but I memorized it then and can still recite it now. Through the years it has reminded me of the everlasting nature of God's love and care for us even when we are in the darkest places. It saw me through the death of my parents, my younger sister and now I am coping with the loss of a husband.

I don't know how it got to be in my bedroom those years ago but I thank God for it. Now I know there is a hymn tune for it I shall have it at my funeral - but not yet, Lord, I have more I want to do!


Mary Grace Villareal

Manila, Philippines

Oh Lord Jesus! I was truly touched by this song. For when I'm in the saddest day, I have found this comforting song. Praise the Lord for this song.


Karen

Groningen, Netherlands

I came across the first two verses of this hymn many years ago at university. Now it comforts me at a time when my husband is in hospital.


Wendy

KZN, South Africa

This poem (I didn't realise it was a song) came into my head after I lay in bed praying with my 10 year old son who is having a very hard time with dyslexia. My Godmother gave me an ornament with these words printed on it many years ago. I am so encouraged by all the comments, that God is so at work in so many lives, and faith is growing despite hard times.


Grace Tahir

Jakarta, Indonesia

Thank You Lord for Your grace is sufficient to us even when we are faced with so many problems in our lives.


Glenn

Fullerton, CA., United States

This hymn probably has the most comments of all the hymns here on hymnal.net. It reaches all levels from young people in high school, college, working ones, adults, and older ones who pass on and leave loved ones behind. It truly shows the love of Christ for all mankind and that He cares for our burdens, tests, trials, and all we go through in this life. He is always there for us! Amen, come Lord Jesus!


Ron

Adelaide, Australia

I've just found out this song.. Really deep and touching. I know my Jesus was, is, and will always be there for me.

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.