Olney Hymns · Chapter
Another explained
A hymn of thanksgiving and trust in God's providence, reflecting on His care from birth through the past year and committing the future to Him.
What happens
A hymn of thanksgiving and trust in God's providence, reflecting on His care from birth through the past year and committing the future to Him.
Themes in this chapter
Divine Providence and Guidance
The hymn celebrates God's providential care from infancy through the past year and trusts Him for the future.
Prayer and Dependence on God
The speaker casts cares upon the Lord and asks for help to praise and trust.
Characters to notice
- The Lord
The object of praise and trust, who has provided care and help throughout life.
- The Narrator
The speaker who reflects on God's goodness and expresses trust for the future.
Key passages
“To him we owe our breath, He took us from the womb, Which else had shut us up in death, And proved an early tomb.”
We owe our very life to God, who preserved us from death even before we were born.
Acknowledges God's sovereignty over life and death.
“Now through another year, Supported by his care, We raise our Ebenezer here, 'The Lord has help'd thus far.'”
As we complete another year, we acknowledge God's faithful help and set up a memorial of His provision.
References the biblical practice of raising an Ebenezer as a stone of help.
“Our lot in future years Unable to foresee, He kindly, to prevent our fears, Says, 'Leave it all to me.'”
We cannot predict the future, but God gently tells us not to worry and to trust Him with what lies ahead.
Expresses trust in God's sovereign care for the future.