Friday, April 11, 2014

Comfort

“Nevertheless I am continually with thee: Thou hast holden me by my right hand” (Psalm 73:23).

One day in 1932, pianist, singer, and songwriter Thomas A. Dorsey discovered his need for God’s comfort. He left his pregnant wife Nettie at home in Chicago while he drove to St. Louis to sing. At the end of the performance, he received a telegram with the tragic news that his wife had died in childbirth. Within hours, the baby boy also died.

Filled with grief, Dorsey sought answers. Should he have stayed in Chicago and not gone to St. Louis? Had God done him an injustice? A few days after Nettie’s death, he sat down at the piano and began to play and compose. Finally sensing God’s peace and closeness, he commenced to sing some new words and play a new song:

Precious Lord, take my hand,

Lead me on, let me stand;

I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;

Through the storm, through the night,

Lead me on to the light;

Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.