# Looking Upwards in a Storm explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

In this hymn, the speaker cries out to God amidst overwhelming trials, acknowledging his own frailty and dependence on divine help. He finds comfort in the certainty that God hears and answers prayer, and rejoices in the privilege of having Christ as his Advocate, a blessing greater than any worldly favor.

## Themes in this chapter

### Prayer and Dependence on God

The entire hymn is a prayer, expressing total reliance on God in the midst of affliction.

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

The speaker acknowledges that despite being poor and despised, God does not forget him—a sign of unmerited favor.

### Faith and Trust in Christ

The speaker's confidence rests in having an Advocate with God, which is a privilege of faith in Christ.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

The speaker who pleads with God in affliction, expressing trust in His faithfulness.

### God

The one to whom the speaker prays, described as the friend of the friendless and the hearer of prayer.

### Jesus Christ

The Advocate with the Father, whose intercession is the believer's privilege.

## Key lines

> Friend of the friendless and the faint, Where should I lodge my deep complaint?

You are the friend of those who have no one else and who are weak; to whom else should I bring my sorrowful complaint?

_The speaker recognizes God as the only true refuge for the helpless._

> But a pray’r-hearing, answ’ring God, Supports me under every load.

But because God hears and answers prayer, I am upheld under every burden.

_The assurance that God responds to prayer is the foundation of the speaker's strength._

> They whom the world caresses most Have no such privilege to boast.

Those who are most favored by the world do not have the privilege of having an Advocate with God.

_The speaker contrasts worldly favor with the spiritual privilege of Christ's intercession._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/19-looking-upwards-in-a-storm
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters