Abide with me

In Australia in the 1970’s there was a TV series set in the gold rush of the 1850’s. It was called ‘Rush’ and I don’t recall much else about it except for one scene. I can’t validate my memory of it but what I think I saw was one of the leading actors driving a horse and cart out of shot. And he was singing, unaccompanied, the hymn ‘Abide with me’.

Odd what sticks in your mind sometimes, but perhaps it was because of the hymn itself. It is a personal favourite; a classic combination of melody and words which evoke emotion. I have always found it very moving. Evidently so do many other people. It is still commonly a part of many public events. In Australia and New Zealand it is often played as a part of the Anzac Day services. This annual event commemorates the service and sacrifices of the men and women who served their country as part of the military in action.

The hymn is a very serious one. It is expressing the lyric writer’s wish for God to be with him even as he is dying. In his case this is exactly what happened. More broadly the hymn is a recognition of mortality (hence its applicability to the results of war, sacrifice and death) and a plea for God to be with us throughout all the trials of life. For we are all mortal. We all will have an end.

Here are some of the words of the hymn:

1 Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.

When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

2 Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away.

Change and decay in all around I see. O thou who changest not, abide with me.

3 I need thy presence every passing hour. What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?

Who like thyself my guide and strength can be? Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.

Asking God to be with us throughout our lives is no doubt worthy. But is that all there is? Is that all God offers? It most assuredly is not. A time is coming when there will be no more death. A time of forever perfection. The last book in the Bible has this to say:

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21:4 NLT)

We can all be part of this coming time; details are in the Bible.