Often when we sit and ponder

Often when we sit and ponder

Author: Harry R. Showalter (1914)
Published in 2 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, Noteworthy Composer
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 Often when we sit and ponder
o'er the cares that life may bring,
We can only look to Jesus,
our Redeemer and our King;
Tho sore trials may surround us,
or our way may be more smooth,
'Tis by these blessings or afflictions
that He doth our motives prove.

2 While mistakes are ever near us,
and our motives miss their aim,
We should not become discouraged,
but believe that Christ, the same;
Yesterday, today, tomorrow,
will forgive us if we come
With hearts possessing godly sorrow
and an honest, pleading tongue.

3 Disappointments may surround us,
chastenings may come severe,
But we have the blessed promise
that a comforter is near;
Whom the Lord loves He will chasten,
and He scourgeth ev'ry son
Whom He receiveth into glory,
ever say, "His will be done."

4 In our upward, pilgrim journey,
may we to each other show
Love unchangeable, unfading,
that in peace we onward go;
Till the summons at death's portals
shall our weary eyelids close,
Then may we meet those gone, immortal,
who are free from cares and woes.

Source: The Christian Hymnary. Bks. 1-4 #922

Author: Harry R. Showalter

Showalter, Harry R. (Cressman, Virginia, August 13, 1889--1992). Mennonite. He was from the Old Order horse and buggy church (Mennonite) in Virginia. He remembered the Sunday when the conservatives went to have services at the Bank meetinghouse and found someone had locked the doors. The group of people met under the trees and the ministers preached from the steps of the meetinghouse. The buggies of the older people were brought up close so that the older people could hear. Harry remembered leaning against a tree during the services. Harry was raised in the Harmonia Sacra tradition of music and singing schools. In Ohio the Old Order Pleasant View Mennonite (Wisler) Church, Columbiana, Ohio (Mahoning County), the young people would meet i… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Often when we sit and ponder
Author: Harry R. Showalter (1914)

Media

The Cyber Hymnal #8442
  • PDF (PDF)
  • Noteworthy Composer Score (NWC)

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The Cyber Hymnal #8442

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