Abide with me fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless O abide with me
Abide with Me 1847
By: Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)
Listen to this lovely version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.
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Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
As we begin our journey through this hymn in which we plead for the abiding presence of Jesus, ask Him to make Himself known. Let’s tune our hearts.
Abide with Me
Eventide – the end of the day, evening. Though used to describe the ending of the day, how much the darkness can resemble the rising of the tide. Nothing can stop it. But we can find a way to rise above it so it does not sweep us under.
We find that comfort in the presence of God. Cultivating that awareness is a discipline best practiced by simply spending time with Him, talking to Him as you would a friend. Much like the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Much like them, we are sometimes surprised when the Lord suddenly reveals Himself to us just when the darkness seems deepest. Like them, may we quick to invite Jesus to linger with us.
Abide with me fast falls the eventide
But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. Luke 24:29 ESV
Traveling alone in the night was no safer in ancient Israel than in our modern world. His fellow travelers invited Jesus in as would have been their custom to offer Him safety. As we see the night approaching we invite Him because we know we need Him. Invite Him to come.
The disciples on the road to Emmaus invited Jesus in so He could find shelter with them from the approaching night. Little did they know they were the ones who needed to find a place of rest in Him. The same is true for us. We need Him to dwell with us. Ask Him right now.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments and ask Jesus to abide with you. Ask Him help you know His presence as the darkness grows. Make this your simple prayer “Jesus, abide with me.”
Lord With Me Abide
Loneliness. For one struggling with loneliness, darkness only intensifies that feeling. There is no comfort to be found in ebbing of the light, which may seem like a cruel companion as it reminds the solitary soul who alone they are. The darkness does not bring relief from that reminder but rather it’s own ridicule, cold and isolating as it is.
Maybe it is not loneliness, but some other unwelcome guest, like grief or fear. What those dark shadows may be the darkness seems to invite them to grow not diminish. Have you had that experience? As the darkness of the day increased with the approach of night, those depressing or disturbing thoughts seemed to expand or deepen. You are not alone.
Neither are you alone in trying to find a source of comfort from all these ills. And God is the the best one by far.
The darkness deepens Lord with me abide
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 ESV
As we feel the darkness pressing we long for comfort and safety. The physical darkness can be accompanied by relational, mental, and spiritual darkness as well, causing that darkness to deepen and thicken. We find relief from the weight of that as we rest in Him.
There is little like deepening darkness to elicit an appeal to God to make His presence known. How often we have cried out as fear, loneliness or gloom encroached upon our soul? Every time we do we will find God nearer than our breath. Cry out today.
RESONATE
Take a few moments and remember those times when the darkness seemed deepest. Were you able to find rest in God? Di d you turn to Him then. Be ready to do so and pray a simple prayer like this one, “Lord, abide with me.”
Jesus, thank You for coming alongside me in my darkest hours. You have never left me, even when I was not sure. Help me be ready for the next time darkness comes by learning to dwell in Your light. In Jesus’ name.
Amazed Tuning!
Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.
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Video 45.1 Transcript
Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.
Abide with me fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless O abide with me
The disciples on the road to Emmaus invited Jesus in so He could find shelter with them from the approaching night. Little did they know they were the ones who needed to find a place of rest in Him. The same is true for us. We need Him to dwell with us. Ask Him right now.
Jesus, abide with me.
There is little like deepening darkness to elicit an appeal to God to make His presence known. How often we have cried out as fear, loneliness or gloom encroached upon our soul? Every time we do we will find God nearer than our breath. Cry out today.
Lord, abide with me.
Other helpers will fail, and other comforts will flee, but not so with Jesus. He will never fail. He will never flee. When we cry out to Him we can do so with a confidence that unlike anywhere else we may turn He will never disappoint us. Thank Him for being so reliable.
Jesus, thank You for being so reliable.
We are helpless. Will you acknowledge that? It is important to own the fact that you need help in order to position yourself to receive it. You are not likely to accept the help of Jesus until you become aware of your need of it. Acknowledge it to Jesus and receive His help today.
Jesus, I need Your help.
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.
Abide with me fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless O abide with me
Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time, Be Resonant.
The post Finding Rest While Rising Above the Dark Waves appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attributions
Fast falls the eventide – https://mattsbibleblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/27/running-down-the-road-from-emmaus-luke-2413-35/
The Darkness Deepens – https://pixabay.com/photos/moon-old-man-person-bank-to-sit-3141248/
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