This is one of the hymns sung at the memorial service for my mother-in-law this past weekend, accompanied by a brass group of family members (of which I was one). When we chose it, I don't believe we knew that the last two verses were written when the composer's brother's wife was dying; we merely chose hymns that Mema liked. (Interestingly, this hymn was also chosen for an upcoming Sunday at my church, completely independently.)
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.
(Refrain): On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
Refrain
His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
Refrain
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain
At the risk of spoiling a good moment with my chatter, I just want to say that what I especially like about this hymn is that it affirms that our hope is not found in whether we "feel" God's presence or seem to be "experiencing" Him or not, but in Him Himself. When our very soul gives way, He is our hope and stay.
Amen.
