He Giveth More Grace {guest post of sorts}

beauty from Brandee's heart and hands

Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932) entered my life during my freshman year at university. At least daily, sometimes more frequently, I would work out my troubles in a practice room with a hymnal and a piano. During those therapy sessions, I discovered Miss Flint, in particular her hymn "He Giveth More Grace." Although none of my church homes over the years have included it in corporate worship, it deeply blesses me in private worship. Over the last two weeks it has sung often in my heart and given comfort.


When I searched for a little biographical information to share with you, I discovered that she suffered from severe, disabling arthritis. In fact, she only turned to composing poetry when her illness excluded her from teaching. Isn't it a kind encouragement of our Lord to bring us together with those who have preceded us along a particular road of affliction? Without further ado, here is her poem-hymn. May God give you grace through these words.

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, 

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase; 

To added affliction He addeth His mercy; 

To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance, 

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done, 

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources, 

Our Father's full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision, 

Our God ever yearns His resources to share; 

Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing; 

The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure. 

His pow'r has no boundary known unto men; 

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, 

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

Glory and thanks be to God for the many graces He has given this week:
~confession, forgiveness, reconciliation
~knee injury initially diagnosed as a minor complaint that only requires rest to heal (consultation with specialist to follow this afternoon)
~opportunity to trust God's ability to care for my back even in a month off from PT homework and walking while knees heal
~exceptionally light meal preparation week, due to weekend leftovers, Mom's leftovers, and a misdelivered extra entree at a restaurant
~courage and stamina for the first session of a local women's Bible study on James
~one especially kind young woman there making me welcome
~friends' emails and prayers buoying me up in a challenging week
~cheery letter from a friend just out of reach for visits in person
~beautiful handmade gift from a bloggy friend to bring me joy
~less pain at week's end than week's beginning
~tears for others with greater needs than mine
~stunningly pleasant experience with medical staff at routine preventive-care screening
~discovering Christian sisters in unexpected places
~instant rapport with book talk
~application submitted for disabled parking placard while knees heal
~laughing at Larry's silly songs
~sunny, unseasonably warm Sunday afternoon for my fellas to play in the park
~real cards and tea from a true friend who happened to come my way through blogging
(counting gifts, #2788-2805)