“Dear refuge of my weary soul, 
On Thee, when sorrows rise 
On Thee, when waves of trouble roll, 
My fainting hope relies 
To Thee I tell each rising grief, 
For Thou alone canst heal 
Thy Word can bring a sweet relief, 
For every pain I feel 

But oh! When gloomy doubts prevail, 
I fear to call Thee mine 
The springs of comfort seem to fail, 
And all my hopes decline 
Yet gracious God, where shall I flee? 
Thou art my only trust 
And still my soul would cleave to Thee 
Though prostrate in the dust 

Hast Thou not bid me seek Thy face, 
And shall I seek in vain? 
And can the ear of sovereign grace, 
Be deaf when I complain? 
No still the ear of sovereign grace, 
Attends the mourner’s prayer 
Oh may I ever find access, 
To breathe my sorrows there

Thy mercy seat is open still, 
Here let my soul retreat 
With humble hope attend Thy will, 
And wait beneath Thy feet, 
Thy mercy seat is open still, 
Here let my soul retreat 
With humble hope attend Thy will, 
And wait beneath Thy feet”

Chalk up yet another hymn from yesteryear that I only recently discovered. In this case, I was today years old when I read these words that speak a better word about God’s promise to be a safe haven for all who call on Him in faith.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all about some modern worship songs, but there’s something about a tried and trusted hymn that has stood the test of time that can speak to my soul about the truths and promises of God like nothing else can outside of Scripture.

I am forgetful and fearful and need to be reminded daily (and sometimes hourly) of how God can still find me and save me no matter where I am. We need to remind each other every chance we get to keep each other persevering in the faith and to keep each other from giving up instead of holding on.

I believe there is a recent version of this hymn by the group Harvest Collective. Here’s the link if you want to check it out: