Monday, January 23, 2012

He Giveth More Grace {guest post of sorts}

beauty from Brandee's heart and hands
Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932) entered my life during my freshman year at university. At least daily, sometimes more frequently, I would work out my troubles in a practice room with a hymnal and a piano. During those therapy sessions, I discovered Miss Flint, in particular her hymn "He Giveth More Grace." Although none of my church homes over the years have included it in corporate worship, it deeply blesses me in private worship. Over the last two weeks it has sung often in my heart and given comfort.


When I searched for a little biographical information to share with you, I discovered that she suffered from severe, disabling arthritis. In fact, she only turned to composing poetry when her illness excluded her from teaching. Isn't it a kind encouragement of our Lord to bring us together with those who have preceded us along a particular road of affliction? Without further ado, here is her poem-hymn. May God give you grace through these words.


He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, 
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase; 
To added affliction He addeth His mercy; 
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance, 
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done, 
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources, 
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision, 
Our God ever yearns His resources to share; 
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing; 
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure. 
His pow'r has no boundary known unto men; 
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, 
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

Glory and thanks be to God for the many graces He has given this week:
~confession, forgiveness, reconciliation
~knee injury initially diagnosed as a minor complaint that only requires rest to heal (consultation with specialist to follow this afternoon)
~opportunity to trust God's ability to care for my back even in a month off from PT homework and walking while knees heal
~exceptionally light meal preparation week, due to weekend leftovers, Mom's leftovers, and a misdelivered extra entree at a restaurant
~courage and stamina for the first session of a local women's Bible study on James
~one especially kind young woman there making me welcome
~friends' emails and prayers buoying me up in a challenging week
~cheery letter from a friend just out of reach for visits in person
~beautiful handmade gift from a bloggy friend to bring me joy
~less pain at week's end than week's beginning
~tears for others with greater needs than mine
~stunningly pleasant experience with medical staff at routine preventive-care screening
~discovering Christian sisters in unexpected places
~instant rapport with book talk
~application submitted for disabled parking placard while knees heal
~laughing at Larry's silly songs
~sunny, unseasonably warm Sunday afternoon for my fellas to play in the park
~real cards and tea from a true friend who happened to come my way through blogging
(counting gifts, #2788-2805)



13 comments:

  1. Wow. Those lyrics are words from my heart but ones I couldn't articulate so well. Thanks for sharing this gem with us, Christina!

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  2. You are most welcome. I'm so glad they met you at your need today. Grace to you, friend.

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  3. The beauty of Brandee's heart and hands is evident here! So lovely. The hymn and the author's story are so poignant and fitting. Your list made me happy, especially less pain at the end of the week! So thankful you could go to the Bible study. Blessings to you, friend.

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  4. Did you ever find Rack, Shack, and Benny on youtube? :)

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  5. it's such a good thing that, in a hard week, you had e-mails, cards, tea, a cheerful letter, a gift, and a warm welcome in your bible study group! i know all that love isn't an anesthetic to take away the physical pain you've been having (especially in the first part of the week), but i hope the love engenders a joy that helps you get through the pain. i also hope the love makes you feel that, unlike George Bailey, you don't need an angel to take you an alternative possible world to see what a difference you've made to the lives of others.

    i'm very thankful for the promising news about your knees, and will pray about your back. if i may be avuncular, get lots of rest and lots of sleep!!

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  6. Glad the list made you happy. :) Thanks for all your prayers. Blessings back to you, dear heart.

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  7. It's on the Netflix streaming list, so I watched it that way on an evening Allen was late coming home. I considered listing "having Bob and Larry for dinner" but decided that might cause traumatic misunderstanding. Ha ha. Hope your Sunday school lesson went well! Thanks for the recommendation.

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  8. The love did engender joy. Sometimes one wonders about the difference one makes, but you are right that God has graciously given many affirmations lately. I did not know the word "avuncular," but it is apt, Uncle Chris. Thanks ever so much for your prayers and kind remarks.

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  9. "Isn't it a kind encouragement of our Lord to bring us together with those who have preceded us along a particular road of affliction?" Most assuredly!
    It seems so strange to me that this hymn should go missing in so many hymnals. Its words express such a blessed, vital truth!

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  10. Agreed! How are your eyes, Sylvia? You remain in my prayers often.

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  11. What encouragement to hear of these bits of joy in a week of physical struggles--and less pain at week's end? Praising Him with you for that gift especially.

    It's been awhile (maybe a long while) since I've heard the words to this hymn and this line grabbed me most: "To added affliction He addeth His mercy." May you feel that strong all through these next few weeks.

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  12. What encouragement to hear of these bits of joy in a week of physical struggles--and less pain at week's end? Praising Him with you for that gift especially.

    It's been awhile (maybe a long while) since I've heard the words to this hymn and this line grabbed me most: "To added affliction He addeth His mercy." May you feel that strong all through these next few weeks.

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  13. That's a lovely hymn, thank you for sharing it, and also lovely artwork by Brandee! Praying for you.

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Thank you for sharing your day with me! Your presence here is a gift. *You* are a gift. Right now I am unable to reply to every comment, but please know I read and pray for each and every commenter. Grace and peace to you in Christ.