Precious Lord Take My Hand provides
an example of how a song helped the one who created it, before it helped
countless others.
Sometimes, on a busy street, you
will see a small child walking along beside Mom, with his hand in hers. No
fear, no uncertainty, not even in the noisy traffic or bustling crowds of
people. He trusts the strength and wisdom of the one who holds his hand. But
see that same child in the middle of a department store aisle, wailing
tearfully, "Mommie!" She may be nearby, but he can't see her. He has
lost hold of that reassuring hand and is terrified.
Some time ago Thomas Andrew Dorsey
(not the famous band leader) had an experience that relates. A black
entertainer, known professionally as Georgia Tom (1899-1965), he had been a
blues singer for years, and even written popular songs. Then, during a period
of serious illness, he gave his heart and life to Christ. From that day he went
on to write about four hundred gospel songs, actively serving the Lord for
nearly half a century. One of his compositions in particular has remained
popular ever since. The writing of it came about as follows.
In 1932, Mr. Dorsey was invited to
sing at a series of revival meetings in St. Louis. He did not want to accept,
as his wife was expecting their first child at any time. But she urged him to
go. Then, during the first night of the meetings, a telegram was brought to
him. It conveyed the sad news that his wife had died giving birth to a son.
Grief-stricken, Dorsey drove back home.
Within a few hours, his baby son
died as well. He buried them both in the same casket. In despondency, he went
to visit a friend. As they talked the musician was encouraged with the thought
that whatever happened, he was in the hands of a loving God.
After awhile, he sat down at the
piano and began to improvise the prayer-song, "Precious Lord Take My
Hand." It begins, "Precious Lord, take my hand, / Lead me on, help me
stand, / I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; / Through the storm, through the
night, / Lead me on to the light, / Take my hand, precious Lord, / Lead me
home."
Thomas Dorsey had been reassured by
the promises of God, as each believer can be. Like a trusting child we each can
look up with the eyes of faith and clasp the hand of our heavenly Father. He
says: "I the Lord your God will hold your right hand, saying to you,
"Fear not, I will help you" (Isa. 41:13).
There is tender compassion in the
outstretched hand of the Lord. That was personally revealed through the life of
Christ on earth. By His loving hand He healed the blind (Mk. 8:23), lifted the
lame (Mk. 9:27), cleansed the leper (Matt. 8:3), and raised the dead (Matt.
9:25).
Then the hands of Jesus were nailed
to a cruel cross, where He died to take the punishment for your sins and mine
(Isa. 53:5). Through His death, God has provided eternal salvation for all who
will put their faith in Him. So whose hands are you in? Will you trust in Him
and pray, today, "Precious Lord take my hand...lead me home"?
NOTE:
The above article was taken and edited from the link given below:
http://www.wordwise-bible-studies.com/precious-lord-take-my-hand.html
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