Isaac Watts

Psalm 90:1-4

Lord, you have been our dwelling-place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn us back to dust, and say, ‘Turn back, you mortals.’ For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.

O God, Our Help in Ages Past LBW 320

1    O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
      our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home:

2    Under the shadow of your throne your saints have dwelt secure;
    sufficient is your arm alone, and our defense is sure.

 3    Before the hills in order stood or earth received its frame,
     from everlasting you are God, to endless years the same.

4    A thousand ages in your sight are like an evening gone,
      short as the watch that ends the night before the rising sun.

5    Time, like an ever-rolling stream, soon bears us all away;
      we fly forgotten, as a dream dies at the op’ning day.

6    O God, our help in ages past our hope for years to come,
      still be our guard while troubles last and our eternal home!

Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748, alt.

      Isaac Watts wrote over 600 hymns, this was probably his most famous. His father had been a political gadfly, whose opinions landed him in prison. When Queen Ann ascended the throne of England, she began a reign of tolerance and he was released.  But by 1714, Queen Ann lay dying and there was a real fear that the reign of terror that had marked her predecessor might resume. The entire nation, Isaac Watts aged father in particular, was afraid.

      In answer to this very real fear, Isaac Watts penned this hymn. He based it upon Psalm 90, a Psalm purportedly written by Moses as the people were still wandering in the wilderness wondering they would ever get to the promised land.  It was a reminder that God was not bound by time, but stood above it. And that his promise of redemption, and hopes, also are not bound by time but always look beyond.  Ultimately the God who made all things, even history, says there is nothing to fear.  A good message for us in these days of upheaval, change and uncertainty.

Prayer:  O God, our help in ages past, our hope for year to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home. Be with us, guide us, empower us, give us hope, and bring us at last to that eternal home were every promise is kept, every hope is realized, death is no more, and your Kingdom is forever.  Amen.