Day 53 - He will hold me fast

This is an old hymn that has been given a fresh life through the work of Keith and Kristyn Getty. I am not always a fan of good old fashioned gospel songs set to modern tunes, but the Gettys have not strayed far from the original tune by Robert Harkness, and their setting certainly serves the words well. Written by Ada Habershon more than 100 years ago it first came to fame in the Torrey Alexander Evangelistic Meetings.

It’s probable that you may never have heard of them nor of Alexander's Hymn Book, but I grew up singing Sankey and Alexander's hymns. It was a great treat on Sunday evenings to listen to “Sunday Half Hour” on the ‘BBC Home Service’ that featured these great and very singable hymns. We would sing along with them, then follow it with our own family musical celebration of the gospel in song. How I miss those times. What made them special was the sheer enjoyment of salvation in Christ. As we played instruments and sang these hymns it felt as if heaven came into our living room.

There are several versions of the Getty’s setting of this hymn but I have chosen a version of unaccompanied choral singing, partly because I have enjoyed so many hours leading or singing in similar choirs, and partly because of the joy you will see on the faces of the singers. I hope you enjoy it. The words are based on the closing verses of the Epistle of Jude, “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and for evermore! Amen.”

The words were written in response to a young Christian man who feared that his faith was too weak and that he would lose his grip on God's hand. Probably, we all may feel like that, but how wonderful it is to know that God has a firm grip on all who put their trust in him. You can read more about this hymn and how it inspired thousands of people in the great missions at the turn of the 20th century, at hymnologyarchive.com/he-will-hold-me-fast.

It includes a quote from a reporter attending one of the meetings: “The climax of the service of song came when Mr. Alexander united choir and audience — 6,000 strong — in singing Mr. Harkness’ new hymn, ‘He will hold me fast.’ The people were electrified by the vast volume of melody, such as was probably never before heard in the building, and by the thought of Christ holding us fast amid all of life’s temptations and trials”.

If you have any uncertainty about your own personal salvation, I invite you to simply reach out and take the hand of God that is already reaching out to you. Jesus Christ has paid for your salvation and He will hold you fast.

Barry Osborne