EVEN IF WE FORGET EVERYTHING by Rachel Green Miller for Core Christianity
The soul that on Jesus relies, He’ll never, no never deceive; He freely and faithfully gives more blessings than we can conceive; Yea, down to old age He will keep, nor will He forsake us at last; He knows and is known by His sheep; They’re His, and He will hold them fast.
William Gadsby, “Poor Sinner Dejected with Fear”
Do you have a favorite hymn? One of my favorites, “How Firm a Foundation,” has become even more meaningful to me through the last year. I can hardly sing it without getting choked up. The last two verses in particular make me think of my mom:
E’en down to old age all my people shall prove my sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love; and when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn, like lambs they shall still in my bosom be borne.
The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes; that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.
I learned to read music and sing alto by singing next to my mom in church. Something we’ve always shared is a love for music. Recently, while sitting with my mom, I started humming a hymn tune. Without missing a beat, she joined right in. Music, hymns, and Scriptures are things that stick with us.
You see, my mom has Alzheimer’s, and she has good days and not-so-good days. I treasure the time I have with her. I’m extremely thankful that she still knows us, although I know that may not always be the case. It’s painful to watch someone you love fade away.
Those verses from “How Firm a Foundation” reflect the hope and security we have in Christ. These sweet promises come from the Scriptures: Isaiah 46:4 says, “Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; and I will bear you and I will deliver you.” And Hebrews 13:5: “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.”
