Take my hand, Precious Lord

In 1932 while the United States and most of the world was in the grip of the Great Depression, Thomas Dorsey, a young African-American minister from Georgia, wrote one of the most famous and powerful Gospel songs that would ever be penned. He wrote it during a time of devastating grief, as his beloved wife. Nettie had just died in childbirth, along with his infant son in August of 1932. Though heartbroken, Dorsey would pen these immortal words…..

“When my way grows drear, Precious Lord linger near,

When my light is almost gone,

Hear my cry, Hear my call,

Hold my hand, Lest I fall,

Take my hand Precious Lord, lead me on.

Precious Lord, take my hand,

Lead me on, let me stand,

I am tired, I am weak, I am lone,

Through the storm, through the night,

Lead me on, through the night,

Take my hand, Precious Lord lead me on.

In the 14th Chapter of Matthew’s gospel, we are told about the disciples being alone in a boat at night in the midst of a terrible storm on a tossed and turmoil filled sea. No doubt they had sailed at dusk for a night of fishing, as they often did. But now they are gripped with fear and in jeopardy of their lives. 

But then at exactly the fourth watch of the night, that darkest hour before dawn, Jesus came walking on the sea. The very thing thaf would destroy them, the unruly sea….Jesus was on top of it. Seeing their fear, Jesus said, “It is I, be not afraid”. 

Peter said,” Lord if it is you, ask me to come to you”, Jesus told him to come to him and Peter left the boat and walked on the water to go to Jesus… and it was only when he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the boisterous sea, did he begin to sink…….. But in his sinking he knew Who to cry to…..and Jesus, our Precious Lord, took his hand and the scripture said “they” came back to the ship.

You can walk on a stormy sea if His hand has your hand….Take my hand, Precious Lord, lead me on.