Text: Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 90:1-17, Lamentations 5:19
Isaac Watts never wanted to write hymns. In fact, he didn’t even enjoy singing. A scraggly and rebellious teenager in Southampton, England, Watts was a poet who refused to sing psalms in church because they didn’t rhyme.
Watts’ lyrical appreciation and incessant poetics were an annoyance to everyone around him, including his own preacher father, who threatened to whip his son if he continued his daily rhyming. The son replied, “O Father do some pity take, and I will no more verses make!” (McKay 67).
After his anger subsided, Watts’ father challenged his writer son to create something “better” than King David’s psalms. At just 18 years old, Watts began writing hymns that were loosely rooted in the Psalms and aligned with his own singing preferences (which, of course, included rhyming). He aimed to communicate timeless gospel truths in contemporary language, as if King David was writing in the present-day 1700s (Watts 15).
His hymn “O God, Our Help In Ages Past” is based on Psalm 90:4:
For in Your sight a thousand years
are like yesterday that passes by,
like a few hours of the night.
When Watts’ signature style is applied to this passage, it becomes a singable hymn:
A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.
Whether sung in original psalmic context or modern rhyming prose, the importance of recalling God’s character remains the same. When we adopt the practice of recalling His past faithfulness, we are reminded of His present kindness.
O God, Our Help in Ages Past
Isaac Watts
Our God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal home:
Under the shadow of your throne
your saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is your arm alone,
and our defense is sure.
Before the hills in order stood
or earth received its frame,
from everlasting you are God,
to endless years the same.
A thousand ages in your sight
are like an evening gone,
short as the watch that ends the night
before the rising sun.
Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
soon bears us all away;
we fly forgotten, as a dream
dies at the opening day.
Our God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
still be our guard while troubles last,
and our eternal home!
McKay, Graham. A Hymn a Day. Franklin, TN: O’More Publishing, 2003.
Watts, Isaac. The Psalms of David – Imitated in the Language of the New Testament and Applied to the Christian State and Worship. Qontro Classic Books, 2010.
Another familiar hymn of long ago…Loved the shared story of dad Watts – how it reminds me of myself when my kids were young, I had so little patience for silly things and things that seemed like “time wasters”! My one son who was always on the computer or games when he was young – so many times he was reprimanded for being on them, sneaking behind our backs. Now he is an adult and writes computer programs! Even though he ended up using his childhood gifts, I wish I had encouraged him instead of discouraging him! I am so thankful that God is SO much more gracious and patient with His children!!
@Kelly Neo – one of the Psalms I regularly pray as well. Life is short, as mentioned in Psalm 90:10. I feel like most of my life is behind me with so little before and there is so much more wisdom needed!
@Lynn from Alabama – so sorry to hear that Gina’s cancer has spread to her lungs, prays for her healing, comfort and grace and wisdom for the doctors.
@Teresa Donley – glad they were able to find the problem – who knew too many tums could send you to the ER! Good to know!
@Kristine Loughman – praying that your family will quickly heal and that you will still be able to keep your travel plans.
@Rhonda J. -that is heart breaking news for your son. I’m so sorry. We as moms always want to be able to take away our kids pain, but it’s not possible. Praying he will seek comfort in Jesus and that you will know the words to say to help him through this difficult time.
@Nicole Burke – prayers for you and all the farmers during this extremely busy time of hard work and long days and for all the farmers wives who “keep the home fires burning”.
Blessings my sweet sisters – happy Thursday!
I agree too. I always find comfort in this story and just that simple reminder from His creation.
I’m not super familiar with this hymn, I have heard of it…maybe have sung it a few times at most? But I love the rhyming as a poet too. And going back to remember God’s faithfulness and goodness is what I needed.. I constantly try to remind myself of all He has done for me as we have been going through a trying time financially! He is always good, always constant,.always sure!
@RHONDA J – my mom used to say you’re only as happy as your saddest kid. Praying he gets through it and becomes a stronger person for it. I pray he looks back on Gods faithfulness. Praying your jail ministry gets easier for you but I will say even if you don’t always have the right words to say your energy radiates a love for Jesus and it’s easy to tell!
What spoke to me was about the author. Young and rebellious not wanting to sing because the lyrics didn’t rhyme…lol That would have annoyed me. I don’t know why I can’t find it in myself to have more patience and understanding with the young. I need to pray about this and seek change.
After posting, I remembered that I had planned to share this. Shane and Shane have put many Psalms to contemporary Christian music and there is one for Psalm 90. YouTube has a live version and the one I am sharing here which features the lyrics:
Psalm 90 (Satisfy Us With Your Love) | Shane & Shane
LYNNE FROM ALABAMA – Joining in wishes for a blessed birthday tomorrow! ❤ Thanks for the prayers!!
Thank you SEARCHING for the birthday wishes! My birthday is actually tomorrow (the 22nd) and I will be 68 years young. My birthday is bittersweet. I am certainly blessed to have made it this far but Jack has always made a huge deal of my birthday and that isn’t happening this year. Sad but true. I am really happy however that we aren’t where we were this
time last year. Jack was in the hospital suffering from delusional disorder and accusing me of all kinds of horrible things.
God has truly brought us through a lot this past year and a half! Thank you Lord!
KRISTINE LOUGHMAN and CEE GEE—prayers for your families to be completely healed from all the sickness that is going around.
NICOLE BURKE—prayers for all the farmers and their families as they harvest their crops. May your harvest be plentiful and your household be calm!
RHONDA J—prayers for wisdom for you and that your ability to teach/speak will flourish. Prayers for your son’s broken heart too (so hard for us moms).
I’m praying for each of your ongoing requests dear sisters! Have a blessed day!
v. 17- And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.
That is such a hard thing to do when we want to be the one in charge! Thankfully I have matured in that area, but there is always room for improvement!!
I also loved the verses about wisdom and number of days and especially what you said in your comment opening, KRISTINE LOUGHMAN! AMEN!
SEARCHING- I am glad you liked Pam’s Piano and I will be looking for the site you mentioned when I get on the treadmill. Thanks for sharing that! ❤
Continued prayers for Leo, Robby, Gina, Jack and Lynne, Molly R and family, Kristine and family, wayward kids, and mama hearts.
May “the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us” (may others see Jesus in us) and may we truly find satisfaction in His love today! From EVERLASTING to EVERLASTING He IS God and He is faithful and good!