Scripture tells us that, under the control of the Holy Spirit, we should be “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).
So once a month we’ll share a hymn or spiritual song whose words offer special encouragement for those of us in chronic illness. Since music standards vary, we’ll include only links to videos or audio recordings for you to follow if you’d like to listen to the melody as well as meditate on the words.
May you be blessed by the spiritual truth in these songs!
Day by Day
words by Carolina Sandell, translated by Andrew L. Skoog
Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what he deems best–
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Ev’ry day the Lord himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares he gladly bears and cheers me,
He whose name is Counselor and Pow’r.
The protection of his child and treasure
Is a charge that on himself he laid:
“As your days, your strength shall be in measure”–
This the pledge to me he made.
Help me then in ev’ry tribulation
So to trust your promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within your holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when, toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.
Can you recognize any Scripture promises in this song? What phrases most speak to you, challenge you, or lift you up? How can you include spiritual songs and hymns like this in your personal prayer and worship?
The Valley 