“But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.” Psalm 22:19 NIV
My husband and I were fortunate to be at a Zach Williams concert the other week and the hymn “I need Thee” was played. It was wonderful to hear that many people singing this hymn all at the same time. It touched me very deeply and my husband suggested that I speak about it in my blog. So I researched the history of this beautiful hymn and this is what I found.
In June 1872, Anne Hawks was doing her usual housework when she felt the strong presence of God. His presence gave her such warmth, with the words “I need Thee, Lord” filling her mind she was inspired to write this hymn. Dr. Robert Lowry, Mr and Mrs. Hawks’ pastor, wrote the music for the lyrics that Anne Hawks had compiled. In November of 1872, the hymn was first performed in the National Baptist Sunday School Association Convention in Cincinnati Ohio. In 1873 it was published in Royal Diadem for the Sunday School and John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” KJV, was given as a reference of the hymn. Anne Hawks wrote over 400 hymns in her lifetime and said that this hymn was prophetic in nature, speaking to her need to feel God’s presence in times of distress.
This hymn echoes what the psalmist wrote in Psalm 22:19, when he asks the Lord to not be far from him. Although I do not automatically remember this hymn in times of grief or distress, as I sit here writing about it, it has brought me comfort. When I awoke this morning and prayed with God about what I should write about today, this hymn is what entered my mind. As I said, my husband had suggested I write about it but I had not gotten any further in doing that, than writing the title on a post draft and saving it.
This morning, God brought it to my mind and as I thought about the lyrics, I found comfort in knowing that my Lord is near me at every moment. I need Him and He responses by never leaving me or any other believer. As much as I need my Lord, my uncle who buried his wife, my aunt, of 66 years, yesterday needs the Lord as well and I find comfort in knowing that the Lord is as near to him as He is to me. I pray that my uncle, a believer of many years, feels the Lord holding him in His arms during this time of deep grief.
I stand in awe of individuals who are so touched by God that they are able to create beautiful music, poems or literature that praises and honors our wonderful God. Thank You, Lord for those people and Thank You for always being there for each and everyone of us.
Amen