Hiding in Thee

Here is a hymn for today (October 19), from William O. Cushing, who died on this day in 1902. Commenting on the origins of the hymn, Cushing writes, “‘Hiding in Thee’ was written in Moravia, New York, in 1876. It must be said of this hymn that it was the outgrowth of many tears, many heart-conflicts and soul-yearnings, of which the world can know nothing. The history of many battles is behind it. But the occasion which gave it being was the call of Mr. Sankey. He said, ‘Send me some thing new to help me in my Gospel work.’ A call from such a source, and for such a purpose, seemed a call from God. I so regarded it, and prayed: ‘Lord, give me something that may glorify Thee.’ It was while thus waiting that ‘Hiding in Thee’ pressed to make it self known. Mr. Sankey called forth the tune, and by his genius gave the hymn wings, making it useful in the Master’s work.”

O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;
So sinful, so weary, Thine, Thine, would I be;
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.

Refrain

Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,”
I’m hiding in Thee.

In the calm of the noontide, in sorrow’s lone hour,
In times when temptation casts o’er me its power;
In the tempests of life, on its wide, heaving sea,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.

Refrain

How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe,
I have fled to my refuge and breathed out my woe;
How often, when trials like sea billows roll,
Have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul.

Refrain