Frail children of dust and feeble as frail
In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail
Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end
Our Maker Defender Redeemer and Friend
O Worship the King 1561
By: William Kethe (?-1594)
Listen to this modern version of this ancient 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 continue our journey through this ancient hymn prepare to get in on the worship. If you are going to issue this call to worship with any authenticity you need to make certain you are engaged in worship. Let’s tune our hearts.
Feeble and Frail
What comes to mind when you read those two words? Your grandparents? Some other elderly person? Yourself?
Most of us would not use these words to describe ourselves, but that is precisely how the hymn writer sees us. Though you may feel pretty strong and tough, the reality is that strength is fleeting. We came from the dust and will return to it, so our perceived strength is at best temporary, and at least illusory.
Before you think the intent here is to discourage you let’s make it perfectly clear. The intent is to illumine your heart to the reality of your condition. Understanding and acknowledging how weak we are is the beginning of a marvelous journey in humility. Will you come along with us?
Frail children of dust and feeble as frail
“By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19 ESV
We are weak and frail. It does not take much living to reveal this truth and yet many remain in denial even as they breathe their last. Humble yourself before God. Confess how feeble you are and how much you need Him. He already knows it since He made us.
If you have lived very long you can appreciate just how frail life is. We are not promised tomorrow but we are promised we will return back to the dust eventually. Where are you most aware of your weakness today. Thank God for that reminder, and that He meets you in it.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how fleeting your perceived strength really is. We may feel strong, but how lasting is that strength really? Can you acknowledge your weakness before God and invite Him to meet you in it. Make this your simple prayer today “God, thank You for meeting me in my weakness.”
Trusting God
Embracing our weakness is the first step in finding lasting strength. When we acknowledge the end of our strength we are prepared to look for another source. When we realize we are all but in the grave we can begin to look for a way to live. When we become aware of the surrounding darkness the search for lasting light begins in earnest.
If you are trusting in your strength, you will not likely be interested in another source. When you realize your strength is limited looking elsewhere takes on a whole new level of importance.Where are you in that continuum?
In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 ESV
One of the ways we demonstrate our trust in God is looking to Him to lead us. He never fails us because there is no limit to His strength or His love. Will you listen for His love every morning, as opposed to just starting your day without Him? Wake up tomorrow and affirm your trust in Him.
Acknowledging how weak we are positions us to look beyond ourselves for strength. As we begin to trust in God we learn that His never fails. Our strength will fail us, but God never does. Have you placed your trust in Him and Him alone?
RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider God’s unfailing strength and love. Will you put your trust in Him alone? Pray a simple prayer like this one, “Lord, help me place and keep my trust in You.” Then trust the Spirit to help you practice that every day.
God, thank You for giving me the opportunity to acknowledge my weakness. Your strength creates an environment where such an acknowledgment is possible. Thank You for that and the trust it inspires. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Trusting 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 32.4 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.
Frail children of dust and feeble as frail
In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail
Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end
Our Maker Defender Redeemer and Friend
If you have lived very long you can appreciate just how frail life is. We are not promised tomorrow but we are promised we will return back to the dust eventually. Where are you most aware of your weakness today. Thank God for that reminder, and that He meets you in it.
God, thank You for meeting me in my weakness.
Acknowledging how weak we are positions us to look beyond ourselves for strength. As we begin to trust in God we learn that His never fails. Our strength will fail us, but God never does. Have you placed your trust in Him and Him alone?
Lord, help me place and keep my trust in You.
We also learn that God is not only trustworthy and unfailing, but also His mercy presents an unparalleled mixture of tenderness and firmness. Praise God His mercy is tender for there are many times we need it to be. And also praise Him that it is firm, never wavering.
God, I praise You for mercy tender and firm.
He made us. He defends us. He is redeeming us. And so much more! Why? Because He is our Friend. He is unwilling to leave us in our feeble and frail state, but makes a way for each of us to find rest and peace in Him if we will but acknowledge Him for who He is.
Lord, thank You for being my Friend.
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.
Sing
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 Trusting in a Strength Not Mine appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attributions
Frail children of dust and feeble as frail – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/grave-stone-graveyard-tombstone-3995099/
In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/light-tunnel-silhouette-woman-3920898/
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