Hymn Study
Now we have come to the end of our study of Civilla D. Martin’s comforting and encouraging hymn, “God Will Take Care of You.” Last time we looked at the first half of verse four. There was so much in just those few words. How much study and prayer must have gone into the writing of this song! As God blessed Mrs. Martin, she shared these blessings with others through song. Here are the words to verse 4.
Verse 4
No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you.
God will take care of you,
Through every day,
O’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.
“Lean, weary one, upon His breast.” How often we become weary as we face the many trials of our lives. Our hearts become heavy and we lose our desire to push on. The troubles become too great for us to bear. But they are not too great for God to bear. And He has promised to uphold us in times of trouble. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
We may tremble when we look at what is ahead, but God says, “Fear thou not.” It may seem that our friends have forsaken us, but God says, “I am with thee.” Our hearts may be faint, but God says, “Be not dismayed.” Though our weary steps may falter, God says, “I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” God will not allow us to fall if we trust in Him. The Psalmist knew such distresses, and he cried out to God, “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings.” (Psalm 17:5-8)
Not only will God hold our hands and keep our feet from slipping, but He will do much more than that. Isaiah 40:11 says, “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” When we can no longer struggle on ourselves, God will carry us in His bosom; for the eternal God is our refuge, and underneath us are His everlasting arms. His arms will never grow weary; they will never drop us. And they will never let anyone or anything snatch us away. We are completely safe in His arms.
“Lean, weary one, upon His breast, God will take care of you.” Do not despair today. Do not fear that God will forsake you because you cannot go on any longer. Just cast all your care upon Him, for He careth for you. Just lean on His bosom and trust His mighty arms to hold you. No man is able to pluck you out of His hand.