"O GOD, OUR HELP IN AGES PAST"

Dearly Beloved,
"O GOD, OUR HELP IN AGES PAST"
“Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God” (Psalm 90:1-2 NKJV).
This popular hymn "O GOD, OUR HELP IN AGES PAST" was written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748). It is sung mostly at the end of a year and at the beginning of a new year. In the hymn, the composer, based on Psalm 90, highlighted many things about God: God is powerful because He has used His power to help His people throughout the past (Psalm 33:20). He will use His power to give His people hope for the future (Psalm 146:5). Thus, His people can look to His power to provide shelter from the stormy blast (Psalm 61:3). God protects because His saints dwell secure under the shadow of His throne (Psalm 4:8; 44:3; 47:8). God is eternal because years and ages are nothing in His sight (Psalm 102:24-27). He is an everlasting God (Psalm 93:2). God is caring. He has been caring for His people, and He will continue to care for them (Psalm 46:1). God is identified as the God of both the past and the future because of His everlasting nature (Psalm 41:13).
Isaac Watts was right! God is indeed our help in the ages past. God has demonstrated His power over us by protecting us and by taking good care of us in this passing year. He has been our dwelling place. Even if He has not done what some of us are requesting from Him, He is still a powerful, caring God. He has a purpose for denying us our request. He has His “best” for you instead of the “good” you are requesting from Him.
As we enter a new year in couple of days, will you depend on Him? Will you make Him your dwelling place? He is indeed our present and future help. Let us join Isaac Watts to sing: “O God, our Help in ages past, Our Hope for years to come, Be Thou our Guard while life shall last, And our eternal Home.”
Wishing you Happy New Year (2011) in advance!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).