God Leads Us Along. . .

Several years ago our family took a vacation to Washington, DC. One of the things we did was to walk around the Tidal Basin visiting the different monuments. By the time the afternoon wore on, we were hot and our feet were tired.

I saw a sign ahead that pointed to the FDR monuments. (There are actually four FDR monuments, one for each one of his Presidential terms.) "That's the last thing I want to see," I thought, since my feet couldn't possibly stand another minute in my hot tennis shoes.

About that time we rounded the corner to see the first monument.

Image by darquati via Flickr

It was a series of cascading waterfalls and pools. All around the perimeter were areas were weary visitors could sit and rest. We took the opportunity to take off our shoes and rest our feet in the cool water, much as FDR loved to bathe in the "hot springs" that gave him so much comfort. (I knew he would understand about putting our feet in the water.)

A few months after our trip to Washington, I first heard this hymn. The line about "the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet," reminded me of our experience at the FDR monument and how refreshing the respite in the water had been.

I have found that when the Lord allows us to walk paths that are dark or difficult, He often hides along the way areas of comfort and respite to strengthen and encourage us. We must trust Him by faith that it is He that leads us and that no matter how dark the night, He will give the song.

God Leads Us Along

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.

(Refrain:)

Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.

Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.

(Refrain)

Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.

(Refrain)

Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity’s day,
God leads His dear children along.

(Refrain:)

Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through His blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.

By George A. Young