I originally posted about this hymn on my old blog. God Himself is With Us is a lovely song that I thought was worth sharing with you again. 🙂 Speaking to God’s presence and our response to him. The author’s story is one filled with hope.
Lyrics for God Himself is With Us
God Himself is with us:
Let us now adore Him,
And with awe appear before Him.
God is in His temple,
All within keep silence,
Prostrate lie with deepest reverence.
Him alone God we own,
Him our God and Savior;
Praise His name forever.
God Himself is with us:
Hear the harps resounding!
See the crowds the throne surrounding!Holy, holy, holy,
Hear the hymn ascending,
Angels, saints, their voices blending!
Bow Thine ear to us here:
Hear, O Christ, the praises
That Thy church now raises.
O Thou fount of blessing,
Purify my spirit;
Trusting only in Thy merit,
Like the holy angels
Who behold Thy glory,
May I ceaselessly adore Thee,
And in all, great and small,
Seek to do most nearly
What Thou lovest dearly.
Author and History
Gerhard Tersteegen, a Geman Pietist, was born into a wealthy family in Moers, Germany in 1697. He had a successful life as a merchant and gave it up in order to search for God. His life of solitude changed as people began to come to him for spiritual advice. Preaching, writing books and music, and devoting himself to ministry filled the remainder of his life. Over the course of his ministry, he led many people to Christ.
Thoughts and Ponderings
Isn’t this a wonderful hymn? Reminding us of God’s continued presence and what our response should to him.
It makes me wonder how I see God’s presence daily and what my response is when I see him. I recently shared a post about what I call God-moments.
When we seek the things of God it can completely change our lives. What do I mean can… seeking God DOES change our lives. God makes himself known to us and that influences everything we do! The song God himself is with us reminds us that we need to respond to that. We need to give him the praise due to him.
As we focus on his continued presence, can we trust him as this song calls us to do? Adoring him for all he does?
I loved how God helped Gerhard Tersteegen turn his life around. Changing him from being a merchant to a man dedicated to bringing others to Christ. It’s a hopeful thing is it not?
I don’t know this one and was shocked at how slow, sad, and sombre the music was for it. Very odd combination of lyrics and music to me. Not a fan, to be sure. Thank you for introducing me to another new-to-me hymn. I really enjoyed the lyrics and the play of the language in them.
really? I find it happy song to sing, upbeat tune. Shows different perspectives eh? 🙂