I'll Never Forsake You
Home » Original Songs » Modern Hymns
Tags: Favorite, God's Love, Prayer in Affliction and Temptation, Style: Somewhat Contemporary, TrialsPosted by David L. Ward on January 6th, 2011
Description
This is an original song based loosely on a hymn titled "O Zion, Afflicted" by John Roberts (1822-1877). It is a reminder of God's covenant love and faithful promise to work all things for good for His children (Romans 8:28), a truth we desperately need in times of darkness and peril. Whether you are suffering under great trial or are in a season of relative comfort, this song will remind you of God's love and care for you. Charles Spurgeon (1834-92) quotes from the original hymn in this excerpt from "Beside Still Waters," which serves as a great introduction to the new song as well:When your faith endures many conflicts, and your spirit sinks low, do not condemn yourself. There is a reason for your season of heaviness. Great soldiers are not made without war. Skillful sailors are not trained on the shore. It appears that if you are to become a great believer, you will be greatly tested. If you are to be a great help to others, you must pass through their trials. If you are to be instructed in the things of the kingdom, you must learn from experience. The uncut diamond has little brilliance, and the unthreshed corn feeds no one, and the untried believer is of little use or beauty. There are GREAT BENEFITS to come from your trials and depression. The one who is much plowed and often harrowed will thank God if the result is a larger harvest to the praise and glory of God by Jesus Christ. If your face is now covered with sorrow, the time will come when you will bless God for that sorrow. The day will come when you will see great gain from your losses, your crosses, your troubles and your affliction. From your affliction this glory shall spring, and the deeper your sorrow the louder you'll sing. - Charles Spurgeon, "Beside Still Waters"
Lyrics
Verse 1:O soul, are you weary from wave upon wave
Of grief and affliction whom no man can save?
Has sickness surrounded, or unending night?
Uncertainty stolen your joy and your might?
Verse 2:
O doubting, o fearful– remember His care,
The helpless and hopeless need never despair
For from your afflictions His glory shall spring–
The deeper your sorrow, the louder you'll sing!
Remember Your father– His promise, His love:
Chorus:
"I'll never forsake you, this pain will not break you,
For I will remake you for unending joy;
My promise is faithful though now it is painful;
No power can trample my covenant love."
Verse 3:
Remember your Savior– His grief and His pain,
The lonely affliction, unmerited shame.
Though you had betrayed Him, He died in your place;
The joy set before Him He offers by grace.
Remember Your father– His promise, His love:
Words & Music by David L. Ward, based loosely on a hymn by James Grant (d. 1785)
© 2011 ThousandTongues.org, admin by Thousand Tongues
© 2011 ThousandTongues.org, admin by Thousand Tongues
We have been really enjoying your music, David, here in the northeast! As I was listening to "Trustingly, Trustingly" and "I'll Never Forsake You" this morning, I just couldn't resist the urge to tell you what a blessing these songs are! Several of us listen to a large variety of your songs on a daily mp3 basis. We love all of them, especially the basic/raw demos. Thankyou, thankyou for sharing. I am often praying that the Lord will continue to give you great melodies and will continue to bless you, your family, and your church family.
Brother in Christ,
Wally
Thank You for your music. I am reminded of the scripture;
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1Peter 5:7
Jon York
Santa Maria, CA.
David, I'm hooked! Thanks for the descriptions, backgrounds, sharing it as you have with mp3's and lead sheets makes playing it for our church possible for someone as inept as myself. :) I'll pay once I figure what my bill is. Thanks brother. Wish we could 'jam' sometime.
In Christ,
Scott Leigh, Pastor of Hope Community Bible Church, Northridge, CA
This is one of the most moving modern hymns I have ever listened too! The simple truth conveyed in this song but oft ignored or forgotten. God is eternally good even when He is providentually working all things out for our good...including trials and grief...which brings Him glory!
For from your afflictions His glory shall spring–
The deeper your sorrow, the louder you’ll sing!
Remember your Father– His promise, His love:
I heard this song via the Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team and was so touched. Thanks so much.
What a blessing! I love it when I can find lyrics for hymns such as this. It helps me learn the songs so that I can sing them whenever I need to be reminded of God's promises. This is a time when Chistians need to "Be strong in The Lord" more than ever before. Music is such a ministry to me and the people I see every day. Children of Christ, arise and serve The Lord.
This hymn has continually given me hope, strength and comfort in my endless trials. I loved your music, lyrics and singing. Thanks, David! I'm so moved when it gets to the chorus.
"I'll never forsake you, this pain will not break you,
For I will remake you for unending joy;
My promise is faithful though now it is painful;
No power can trample my covenant love."
Thank you for helping to preserve the great hymn heritage of the past!
One point of clarification for my fellow hymnology enthusiasts: The author of the original text "O Zion Afflicted" is actually James Grant (????–1785). John Roberts did compose the tune ST. DENIS which was commonly paired with the original text.