Trusting God Day by Day

The wave of revival that swept across Sweden during the nineteenth century was influenced by hymns written by Lina Sandell. Born in 1832, she became particularly close to her father, who was a pastor. As a child, she often spent time with him in his study rather than play with her friends.

When she was 26 years old, she accompanied him on a journey by sea. Tragically, he fell overboard and drowned. Although she was devastated by this loss, instead of diminishing her faith, the event seemed to deepen it, as she turned to God even more.

Sandell had written hymns before this tragedy, but now even more began to flow out of her heart. These hymns reflected her trust in Jesus and a deeper sense of His abiding presence in her life.

One of her most endearing hymns, “Day by Day,” told how she had learned to trust God at all times. She wrote: “Day by day, and with each passing moment, strength I find, to meet my trials here; trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.”

Through everything she faced, she looked to God “whose heart is kind beyond all measure.” He gave her “each day what He deems best: lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure, mingling toil with peace and rest.”

In every situation, she realized that God was with her. She prayed, “Help me then in every tribulation so to trust Thy promises, O Lord, that I lose not faith’s sweet consolation offered me within Thy holy Word.”

Are you going through any difficulties today? Remember that you can trust in God. Don’t give up or become discouraged. Have faith in Him. Call on Him. He is with you today, and every day.