In the summer of 1858 Lina Sandell (Karolina Sandell-Berg) experienced a tragedy that changed her life forever. She and her father boarded a boat for a short trip across the lake near their home in Sweden. Shortly after departing, a huge wave hit the boat causing it to rock from side to side. As a result of the rocking her father was thrown from the boat and drowned. Lina, a dedicated Christian and gifted hymn writer, poured out her broken heart by writing a hymn that has encouraged countless thousands for many years. Verse one of the song “Day by Day” is a testament of Lina’s unfailing love and trust in God at all times.
“Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best–
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.”
Pain and pleasure is a part of life for everyone one of us. The Bible says, “In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him” (Ecclesiastes 7:14).
Most of us feel as though we have been in a rocking boat over the last several months. Will the stormy waves of life throw us into the deadly water? Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the political unrest, the future is more uncertain than at anytime in modern history. I don’t know where the political unrest and protests will lead our country or when they will end. I do know the God who controls it, and I know He will give me the grace I need for today, or as Ms Sandell wrote, “day by day.” God safely saw me thru yesterday, and I’m trusting Him today, whether it be pain or pleasure. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, simply take it one day at a time, trusting “The One” who controls it all!
“But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand” (Psalms 31:14-15).