There is a wealth of knowledge in studying the hymns of our Christian heritage. With all that is swirling around us in our modern times, it is often important for us to reflect on the authors and their time period as they wrote the hymns we so cherish. A hymn that is pertinent for the turbulent times in which we are now facing is, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow,” written by Ira F. Stanphill (1914-1993).
I find it fascinating to look into the geopolitical and world history during the time hymns were written. You can often find the threads of the spiritual and physical struggle that individuals were facing. The hymns became the authors’ prayers and cries to God. “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” is no different.
Can you imagine being born in the same year that World War 1 erupted? Even though Stanphill was a baby, the trauma of his mother, father, family, and community created an atmosphere that influenced his upbringing. This war brought much uncertainty and fear to the entire globe. Next, when Stanphill was approximately 15, the Great U.S. Depression unfolded and lasted for almost ten years until World War 2 broke the U.S. Depression, but thrust the U.S. into another world conflict after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
It is safe to say that Stanphill’s family was full of faith and a devotion to God. Stanphill gave his life to the Lord at age 12. He was called to preach at age 22 after attending Junior College. Stanphill not only preached, but he loved music and composed over 500 gospel songs. Stanphill by age 10 was an avid musician and was composing and performing his own music by age 17.
With that history in mind, now let’s turn to the actual words of the hymn. Stanphill was writing from emotion and desperation of his day. In comparison, it may be very similar, but different than we are currently facing. Stanphill’s time as our time is filled with unrest, uncertainty, and a desire for God’s sustaining hand and direction.
“I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” was published in 1950, five years after the end of World War 2.
I don’t know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
I don’t borrow from its sunshine,
For its skies may turn to gray.
I don’t worry o’er the future,
For I know what Jesus said,
And today I’ll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.
Refrain
Many things about tomorrow,
I don’t seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow,
And I know who holds my hand.
Every step is getting brighter,
As the golden stairs I climb;
Every burden’s getting lighter;
Every cloud is silver lined.
There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eye,
At the ending of the rainbow,
Where the mountains touch the sky.
I don’t know about tomorrow,
It may bring me poverty;
But the one who feeds the sparrow,
Is the one who stands by me.
And the path that be my portion,
May be through the flame or flood,
But His presence goes before me,
And I’m covered with His blood.
Let these words become your and my prayer and confidence as the world around us takes the unknown turns we cannot foresee. Even though we may not know what will happen later today, tomorrow, or in the future; we can know who holds our hand.
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God bless you. Stay hopeful! ❤️
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