5 Lessons from “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more; Feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing stream doth flow; let the fire and cloudy pillar; lead me all my journey through. Strong deliverer, strong deliverer, be thou still my strength and shield; Be thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside; death of death and hell’s destruction, land me safe on Canaan’s side. Songs of praises, songs of praises, I will ever give to thee; I will ever give to thee.

Date: 18^th century

Writer(s): William Williams

Background for writing: In the 18^th century, there was a revival taking place in Wales, and the primary preacher was Howell Harris. Howell encouraged congregational singing at all his meetings. During a meeting, William Williams committed his life to Christ and to full-time ministry, even though his family wanted him to become a doctor. From that point, William preached for 43 years, traveling over 100,000 miles by horseback bringing the Gospel. He earned the nickname “sweet singer of Wales,” for his sweet voice and ability to write hymns like this one that retell the story of Moses leading the people of out of Egypt to the Promised Land.

5 Lessons:

1. God will always lead us if we are willing to follow.

2. His omnipotence is our encouragement when life gets dark.

3. True hunger for satisfaction comes through a relationship with God.

4. Anxiety and worry leaves when we walk with God.

5. He deserves and will receive eternal worship.