8. "THE LORD ABOVE IS KEEPING
HIS WATCH UPON MY SOUL"

(Words Uncle Davey, Voronezh, Russia, October-November 1985. Music John Pyke Hullah (1812-1884) Tune name "Bentley". The tune is usually sung to the excellent hymn "Sometimes a light surprises the christian while he sings", by the very famous poet and hymnwriter William Cowper. The hymn is such a favorite of mine that I would like to put Cowper's words here for your perusal first:

Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord, Who rises with healing in His wings:
When comforts are declining, He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining, to cheer it after rain.

In holy contemplation we sweetly then pursue
The theme of God’s salvation, and find it ever new.
Set free from present sorrow, we cheerfully can say,
Let the unknown tomorrow bring with it what it may.

It can bring with it nothing but He will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing will clothe His people, too;
Beneath the spreading heavens, no creature but is fed;
And He Who feeds the ravens will give His children bread.

Though vine nor fig tree neither their wonted fruit should bear,
Though all the field should wither, nor flocks nor herds be there;
Yet God the same abiding, His praise shall tune my voice,
For while in Him confiding, I cannot but rejoice.

I have used Hullah's tune for a similar topic, confidence in God, which seems to echo through the notes of this hymn. I cannot compare my poetry to that of Cowper, for all I might like to try, but at least the theme is the same.

First published 27th June 2004, Go back to list of hymns, Go back to home page or Go to Bulletin Board
(NB. The picture to the right was taken in 1985, this is how I looked when I wrote this hymn.)

1.
The Lord above is keeping
His watch upon my soul
His guardian care unsleeping
Keeps me both strong and whole
His angels watch my feet tread
They make secure my track
My going out is guarded
So too my coming back.
2.
The nets and gins of satan
Are set to do me harm
Yet God my Father keeps me
With His almighty arm
The greatest tests and trials
Can scarcely me distress
Nor demons' practised wiles
For long my soul depress.
3.
The providence and caring
Of God, my Lord on high
Shall keep me from despairing
And guide me till I die
Till I, with eyes immortal
His guardian angels see
Yea more, at heaven's portal
Sublime divinity.

Direct links to the other hymns in the collection:

1. "O Lord, our God, how great..", Uncle Davey, 1985

2. "Royal Priesthood! Holy Nation!, Uncle Davey, 1985-88

3. "Thou art the Lord, who art highly exalted", Uncle Davey, 1985

4. "O precious saviour, draw Thee near", Uncle Davey, 1985

5. "O Lord of Hosts, I bow to Thee", Uncle Davey, 1985

6. "For me to live is Christ", Uncle Davey, 1985

7. "I sought the praise of sinners", Uncle Davey, 1985

9. "The earth had once one speech o'erall", Uncle Davey, 1984

10. "O blest and only potentate", Uncle Davey, 1986

"The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." (Psalm 121 v 8)

Hosted by www.nkjv.org. Member of On-line Christ Centred Ministries. Midi and links to composers' biographies are referenced entirely from www.cyberhymnal.org (courtesy of their kindly copyright policy).

8. "THE LORD ABOVE IS KEEPING HIS WATCH UPON MY SOUL"

First published 27th June 2004, Go back to list of hymns, Go back to home page or Go to Bulletin Board (NB. The picture to the right was taken in 1985, this is how I looked when I wrote this hymn.)

Direct links to the other hymns in the collection:

Hosted by www.nkjv.org. Member of On-line Christ Centred Ministries. Midi and links to composers' biographies are referenced entirely from www.cyberhymnal.org (courtesy of their kindly copyright policy).

www.usenetposts.com - Christianity with teeth!

8. "THE LORD ABOVE IS KEEPING
HIS WATCH UPON MY SOUL"

First published 27th June 2004, Go back to list of hymns, Go back to home page or Go to Bulletin Board
(NB. The picture to the right was taken in 1985, this is how I looked when I wrote this hymn.)