Lina Sandell Berg, 1832–1903
Translated by Andrew L. Skoog, 1856–1934
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and
courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord
your God will be with you wherever you go.
(Joshua 1:9)
It is a common tendency for people to look
ahead. They wonder—what will happen next? That’s why the pseudo science
of astrology is booming today as never before. Because we are
apprehensive of the future, wondering when some health problem or
perhaps a financial difficulty will surprise us, we long for a
reassuring word of comfort.
“Day by Day” was written by a young Swedish
woman who learned early in life the all-important lesson of living each
day with the conscious presence and strength of her Lord. Lina Sandell
has often been called the “Fanny Crosby of Sweden” for her many
contributions to gospel hymnody. From her pen flowed approximately 650
hymns which strongly influenced the waves of revival that swept the
Scandinavian countries during the latter half of the 19th century.
At the age of 26 Lina had an experience
that greatly influenced her life. She was accompanying her father aboard
ship to the city of Gothenburg, Sweden, across Lake Vattern. The ship
gave a sudden lurch and Lina’s father, a devout Lutheran minister, fell
overboard and drowned before the eyes of his devoted daughter. Although
Lina had written many hymn texts prior to this tragic experience, now
more than ever poetic thoughts that expressed a tender, child-like trust
in her Lord began to flow freely from her broken heart.
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. He whose heart is kind
beyond all measure gives unto each day what He deems best—lovingly, its
part of pain and pleasure, mingling toil with peace and rest.
Ev’ry day the Lord Himself is near me with a
special mercy for each hour; all my cares He fain would bear, and cheer
me, He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r. The protection of His child
and treasure is a charge that on Himself He laid: “As thy days, thy
strength shall be in measure,” this the pledge to me He made.
For Today: Deuteronomy 33:25; Psalm 55:22; Isaiah 14:3; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:16
Practice the kind of deep and peaceful
trust that Lina Sandell has expressed in this hymn. Focus only on the
challenges and difficulties of today and trust the Lord for tomorrow.
Sing this message as you go—
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