Dear beloved family in Christ

On New Year’s Eve, a dear brother in our church sent me a hymn entitled “God will take care of you”. The Lord used this song to encourage my heart wonderfully. It is sung beautifully to orchestra music by a group of young people. You can hear the song at this weblink  https://youtu.be/u4Ez8m2ozf4

This hymn was written and composed in 1905 by a Baptist evangelist Rev Walter Martin and his wife Civilla, when they were guests at a Bible school in New York. On a Sunday morning when Rev Walter was about to leave for church service as the guest speaker, his wife was suddenly taken ill, making it impossible for her to accompany her husband. Rev Walter seriously considered cancelling his speaking assignment as it would require him to be away for quite some time. At that moment, their young son said, “Father, don’t you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take care of Mother while you are away?” Having been inspired by her son’s words, Civilla wrote the words of this hymn on that very afternoon. When Rev Walter returned, he went to the organ immediately and composed the music.

I can resonate personally with the circumstances which led to the composition of this hymn. During my regular overseas travels when previously serving as the Dean of Vietnam, it was often difficult emotionally to be away from my wife and young children. God is gracious and good. He always assures my heart that He will take care of them, often through the care and love of the church family and close friends. Thanks be to God.

As I carry various pastoral burdens in my heart concerning our St John’s Chapel family, I am reminded that God will take care of you.

As you cry out to God for your family and friends in their various difficult situations, remember this: God will take care of them.

As you enter the New Year 2022 facing various challenges, struggles and pain, remember this: God will take care of you.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”  1 Peter 5:6-7

 

Blessings
Pastor John