As mentioned in previous posts, this has been a crazy, emotional, overwhelming summer. Lots of new people, places and things in my life. And it’s not the newness that had me all out of sorts; it was the fact that, of most of the new stuff, I had no say or power to change things I didn’t like. I still don’t. Which, if you don’t know me, is really hard for me. So when I was feeling like I was just letting my frustrations get the best of me, I was trying to think of Scripture or song lyrics or poetry or SOMETHING I could say to myself throughout the day to help me get through it all.
And it was in a conversation with someone about how rough my summer was that I said something like, “Yeah, I’m not taking it day by day I’m taking it hour by hour–literally!” And that’s a true statement. And then it hit me: “I Need Thee Every Hour”!!
That beautiful, simple old hymn is absolutely 100% the theme song of my summer. I’ve learned so much about how I need Him and I need Him on a momentary basis. Minute by minute, hour by hour, I need Him; I need Him to strengthen me and comfort me and guide me. So I decided to sing this hymn (which is a childhood fav) to myself every hour on the hour while I was at work. I just wanted to remind myself that I need him and offer up my voice in worship.
And it made such a huge difference! It helped me to choose joy. To choose peace. To focus on God, His creation, His word or my brothers/sisters who were created in His image… it has been such a lifesaver for me this last week and a half.
I still sing it every hour; and when I do, I’m so happy that I worship a God who is there for me every hour–every minute of my day to comfort me and help me.
I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
no tender voice like thine can peace afford.
I need thee, oh I need thee; every hour I need thee
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.
I need thee every hour, stay thou nearby;
temptations lose their power when thou are nigh.
I need thee, oh I need thee; every hour I need thee
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.
I need thee every hour, teach me thy will;
and thy rich promises in me fulfill.
I need thee, oh I need thee; every hour I need thee
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.
I need thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me thine indeed, thou blessed Son.
I need thee, oh I need thee; every hour I need thee
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.
Just a cool side-note: This hymn was written by a woman, Mrs. Annie Hawkins, in the late 19th century. About her lyrics she is quoted as saying, “One day as a young wife and mother of 37 years of age, I was busy with my regular household tasks. Suddenly, I became so filled with the sense of nearness to the Master that, wondering how one could live without Him, either in joy or pain, these words, “I Need Thee Every Hour,” were ushered into my mind, the thought at once taking full possession of me.” The hymn was first published at the National Baptist Sunday School Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, in November 1872. Yay for girl power and yet another Cincy connection to a Worship Wednesday song! 
