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This hymn was written by Isaac Watts circa 1719. It is a paraphrase of Psalm 90. Originally, it had 9 verses! More commonly, we sing between 4 and 6 verses. Isaac Watts was a prolific hymn writer, many of which still exist to this day.
See the lyrics below and also enjoy the YouTube version below that! Thanks for joining us today.
1.O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home.
2.Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defence is sure.
3.Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God, To endless years the same.
4.A thousand ages in Thy sight Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun.
5.Time, like an ever-rolling stream, Bears all its sons away;
They fly forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day.
6.O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life shall last, And our eternal home.
Isaac Watts
so true donna. i didn’t realize until i read up on it, that this hymn was based on Psalm 90…which is quoted in the video below!
maybe that’s why many of the words have such good theology:) i don’t know if you are familiar with idelible grace or red mountain. they often use newer tunes to old hymns. we often use them in the church we go to now. some i like better, some i don’t, but that’s the way it goes:)
i especially love james ward’s version of rock of ages written in the 1960’s. to me, his newer tune emphasises the words of the hymn, many of which didn’t even stand out to me before. (he serves in a mixed church in chattanooga…music. writes gospel and everything in between:)
These old hymns are just chock full of amazing doctrine! As much as I LOVE contemporary music/choruses/songs, I would never want to give up these hymns during corporate worship! I know it is challenging to find a balance for some churches, I mean, it is important to have contemporary music in order to meet the needs and speak in the language of a younger generation. But these old hymns have so much depth to them!
Thanks for sharing it today!