“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
In 2019 my husband and I purchased a new piano. Since then I’ve spent many hours trying to revive my rusty playing skills from my music college days. I’ve never been good at playing in front of an audience. My husband walking through the room can make me hit more sour notes than lemonade without sugar. However, I’ve been determined to get my skill level up because, at the time of our piano purchase, our church only had a single pianist, and she needed a break. I will never match her skill, but my goal has been to relearn to play well enough to do a church service without making any mistakes. It hasn’t happened so far.
At any rate, I’ve been practicing a lot of hymns, often in a simplified form. One of the ones I’ve learned is “God Will Take Care of You.” As a singer, I often use hymns and songs as a way of praising God. The music soothes me and the lyrics stick with me better than scriptures. I’ve always loved this song, but since 2019, when I experienced three unexpected surgeries and with the 2020 COVID pandemic, I’ve had to lean on the knowledge—a lot more than usual—that God will take care of me.
“God Will Take Care of You” was written by husband and wife team Walter Stillman Martin (1862-1935) and Civilla (1866-1948). During their marriage they wrote a lot of hymns, some of which became very popular. Civilla wrote the lyrics and Walter set the words to music. This particular song has an interesting background story I’d like to share.
On one occasion when Walter had a preaching engagement, his wife Civilla was ill and he was considering staying home to care for her. His nine-year-old son encouraged his father to go preach, saying, “Don’t you think if God wants you to preach today, he will take care of Mother while you are away?” Walter went to his preaching engagement, leaving his wife in God’s care.
On his return home Walter found Civilla improved. In his absence, inspired by their son’s words, she had penned the words to “God Will Take Care of You.”
Be not dismayed what’er betide. God will take care of you.
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.
God will take care of you,
Through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.
Upon hearing the lyrics, Walter composed the music, creating one of the best-loved hymns of the 20th century.
There is something so comforting in the knowledge that no matter what happens to us God is there. He will be there for us when life goes well, when it’s a bit rough, and when the bottom falls out. No matter the circumstances He wraps us in His love and care.
Listen to the words of this lovely old hymn which is as relevant in its message today as it was when it was published in 1905. I pray that the song will bless you and bring God’s care closer to your heart and mind.
God will take care of you (© Catherine Hershberger 9/16/ 2019)
About the Author:
Catherine is a member of Greendale First Church of Christ. She is also an award-winning author of sweet and inspirational romance under the pen name of Catherine Castle. Many of her devotions have appeared on various places on the internet. You can find her books on her Amazon Author page or at Barnes and Noble.
Greendale First Church of Christ 