1 LORD of the wide, extensive main,
Whose power the wind, the sea, controls
Whose hand doth earth and heaven sustain,
Whose Spirit leads believing souls:
2 For thee we leave our native shore,
(We whom thy love delights to keep)
In other climes thy works explore,
And see thy wonders in the deep.
3 'Tis here thine unknown paths we trace,
Which dark to human eyes appear;
While through the mighty waves we pass,
Faith only sees that God is here.
4 Throughout the deep thy footsteps shine,
We own thy way is in the sea,
O'erawed by majesty divine,
And lost in thy immensity.
5 Thy wisdom here we learn to adore,
Thine everlasting truth we prove;
Amazing heights of boundless power,
Unfathomable depths of love.
==L.M. SECOND PART.
6 INFINITE God, thy greatness spanned
These heavens, and meted out the skies;
Lo! in the hollow of thy hand
The measured waters sink and rise!
7 Thee to perfection who can tell!
Earth and her sons beneath thee lie,
Lighter than dust within thy scale,
And less than nothing in thine eye.
8 Yet, in thy Son, divinely great,
We claim thy providential care;
Boldly we stand before thy seat,
Our Advocate hath placed us there.
9 With him we are gone up on high,
Since he is ours, and we are his;
With him we reign above the sky,
We walk upon our subject seas.
10 We boast of our recovered powers,
Lords are we of the lands and floods;
And earth, and heaven, and all is ours,
And we are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
Lord Of The Wide, Extensive Main Video
Lord Of The Wide, Extensive Main Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Lord of the Wide, Extensive Main" is a hymn written by Charles Wesley, one of the most prominent hymn writers in Christian history. This beautiful hymn celebrates the power and majesty of God, specifically in relation to the vastness of the sea. With its profound lyrics and uplifting melody, it inspires believers to explore the depths of their faith and trust in God's providence.
I. Understanding the Meaning:
1.1 The Majesty of God's Creation:
The lyrics of "Lord of the Wide, Extensive Main" highlight the awe-inspiring power of God. The wide expanse of the sea, controlled by God's hand, serves as a reminder of His supreme authority over all creation. As believers, we are urged to acknowledge and appreciate the incredible works of God, from the wind and waves to the intricate balance of nature.
1.2 Faith in God's Guidance:
The hymn also emphasizes the importance of faith in God's guidance. By leaving our familiar shores and venturing into unknown territories, we are encouraged to trust that God will lead and protect us. Just as He sustains the earth and heaven, His Spirit also guides believers through the challenges and uncertainties of life's journey.
II. The Inspiration behind the Hymn:
2.1 Wesley's Passion for Creation:
Charles Wesley was known for his deep connection with nature and his ability to find spiritual inspiration in the world around him. As a lover of the outdoors, he often found solace and communion with God in the beauty of creation. It is likely that his personal experiences and encounters with the sea served as the inspiration for "Lord of the Wide, Extensive Main."
2.2 Wesley's Devotion to God's Providence:
Wesley's hymns often focused on the providence of God and the belief that He is actively involved in every aspect of our lives. "Lord of the Wide, Extensive Main" is no exception, as it reflects Wesley's unwavering trust in God's constant presence and care. The hymn conveys the idea that even in the vastness of the sea, God's hand can be seen, and His wisdom and power can be acknowledged.
III. Biblical References:
3.1 Psalm 95:5:
The lyrics of "Lord of the Wide, Extensive Main" echo the sentiment expressed in Psalm 95:5, which says, "The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land." This verse emphasizes the sovereignty of God as the creator of the sea and all its wonders. It serves as a foundation for the hymn's declaration of God's authority over the vast expanse of the ocean.
3.2 Psalm 8:3-4:
The hymn also aligns with the sentiments expressed in Psalm 8:3-4, which states, "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?" This passage highlights the vastness of God's creation and the humility that comes from recognizing our smallness in comparison. It resonates with the hymn's acknowledgment of our insignificance in the face of God's immensity.
IV. The Importance of the Hymn:
4.1 Worship and Adoration:
"Lord of the Wide, Extensive Main" serves as a powerful tool for worship and adoration. By singing this hymn, believers can express their reverence and awe for God's creation, recognizing His majesty and power. The hymn invites worshippers to reflect on the greatness of God and to offer Him praise and thanksgiving.
4.2 Trust and Faith:
The hymn also encourages believers to place their trust in God's guidance and provision. As we venture into unknown territories, either metaphorically or physically, the lyrics remind us that God is with us, leading and protecting us. It inspires us to have faith in His wisdom and to surrender our fears and uncertainties to Him.
V. Conclusion:
"Lord of the Wide, Extensive Main" by Charles Wesley is a timeless hymn that invites believers to explore the depths of their faith and trust in God's providence. Through its profound lyrics, it celebrates the power and majesty of God, reminding us of His authority over all creation. Inspired by the beauty of nature, this hymn encourages us to worship and adore God while placing our trust in His guidance. As we sing these words, we are reminded of the biblical truths that underpin the hymn, reinforcing our belief in God's sovereignty and love. May this hymn continue to inspire and uplift believers, encouraging them to dive deeper into the ocean of faith.
