Soon, I would like to post more substantially, but for now this will have to suffice.
Last Sunday, I sang this hymn by Anne Steele (1716-1778) that has recently been set to music by Kevin Twit, founder of Indelible Grace Music. If you have not heard of Anne Steele, it may benefit you to research her life. Having written 144 hymns in her life time, Anne is considered one of the foremost English Baptist Hymn writers.
The story of her life is anything but inspiring. Losing her mother at age 3, she was left to the care of her father, a timber merchant who also was a lay pastor in their church in Broughton. At age 19, she became an invalid. Furthermore, the man to which she was engaged to be married drowned the day before the wedding. Anne was no stranger to trials, yet from her hand flowed numerous hymns of praise to God.
This particular song gives testimony to her sweet spirit amidst life's trials. It was a challenge to me--I hope it is to you.
Dear refuge of my weary soul,
On Thee, when sorrows rise
On Thee, when waves of trouble roll,
My fainting hope relies
To Thee I tell each rising grief,
For Thou alone canst heal
Thy Word can bring a sweet relief,
For every pain I feel
On Thee, when sorrows rise
On Thee, when waves of trouble roll,
My fainting hope relies
To Thee I tell each rising grief,
For Thou alone canst heal
Thy Word can bring a sweet relief,
For every pain I feel
But oh! When gloomy doubts prevail,
I fear to call Thee mine
The springs of comfort seem to fail,
And all my hopes decline
Yet gracious God, where shall I flee?
Thou art my only trust
And still my soul would cleave to Thee
Though prostrate in the dust
I fear to call Thee mine
The springs of comfort seem to fail,
And all my hopes decline
Yet gracious God, where shall I flee?
Thou art my only trust
And still my soul would cleave to Thee
Though prostrate in the dust
Hast Thou not bid me seek Thy face,
And shall I seek in vain?
And can the ear of sovereign grace,
Be deaf when I complain?
No still the ear of sovereign grace,
Attends the mourner's prayer
Oh may I ever find access,
To breathe my sorrows there
And shall I seek in vain?
And can the ear of sovereign grace,
Be deaf when I complain?
No still the ear of sovereign grace,
Attends the mourner's prayer
Oh may I ever find access,
To breathe my sorrows there
Thy mercy seat is open still,
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will,
And wait beneath Thy feet,
Thy mercy seat is open still,
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will,
And wait beneath Thy feet
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will,
And wait beneath Thy feet,
Thy mercy seat is open still,
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will,
And wait beneath Thy feet
You can find the music here. As of yet, I have not found a quality recording, so if you find one let me know in the comments section!
