1 SWEET is the memory of thy grace,
My God, my heavenly King:
Let age to age thy righteousness
In sounds of glory sing.
2 God reigns on high, but not confines
His bounty to the skies:
Through the whole earth his goodness shines,
And every want supplies.
3 With longing eyes the creatures wait
On thee for daily food;
Thy liberal hand provides them meat,
And fills their mouths with good.
4 How kind are thy compassions, Lord!
How slow thine anger moves!
But soon he sends his pardoning word,
To cheer the souls he loves.
5 Creatures, with all their endless race,
Thy power and praise proclaim;
But we, who taste thy richer grace,
Delight to bless thy name.
==C.M. SECOND PART
6 LET every tongue thy goodness speak,
Thou sovereign Lord of all:
Thy strengthening hands uphold the weak,
And raise the poor that fall.
7 When sorrow bows the spirit down,
Or virtue lies distressed,
Beneath the proud oppressor's frown,
Thou giv'st the mourner rest.
8 The Lord supports our infant days,
And guides our giddy youth;
Holy and just are all thy ways,
And all thy words are truth.
9 Thou know'st the pains thy servants feel,
Thou hear'st thy children cry;
And their best wishes to fulfil,
Thy grace is ever nigh.
10 Thy mercy never shall remove
From men of heart sincere;
Thou sav'st the souls whose humble love
Is joined with holy fear.
11 My lips shall dwell upon thy praise,
And spread thy fame abroad:
Let all the sons of Adam raise
The honours of their God!
And Can it be That I should Gain
Sweet Is The Memory Of Thy Grace Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Sweet Is The Memory Of Thy Grace: A Song of Divine Remembrance
Introduction:
The hymn "Sweet Is The Memory Of Thy Grace" was written by Charles Wesley, an English hymn writer and theologian who co-founded the Methodist movement along with his brother, John Wesley. This particular hymn is a beautiful expression of gratitude and praise to God for His abundant grace and mercy.
I. The Sweetness of God's Grace (Stanza 1-2):
The hymn begins by acknowledging the sweetness and preciousness of God's grace. It describes the memory of God's grace as sweet, evoking a sense of joy and gratitude in the hearts of believers. The lines, "SWEET is the memory of thy grace, My God, my heavenly King," highlight the personal relationship between the believer and God. It emphasizes that God's grace is not only a distant concept but a tangible experience that brings comfort and assurance.
The hymn further emphasizes that God's grace is not limited to the heavens but extends to the whole earth. It proclaims that God's goodness shines throughout creation and provides for every need. The lines, "God reigns on high, but not confines His bounty to the skies," remind us that God's grace is accessible to all and encompasses every aspect of our lives.
II. God's Compassion and Provision (Stanza 3-4):
The next section of the hymn focuses on God's compassion and provision for His creation. It acknowledges that all creatures, from the smallest to the greatest, depend on God for their daily sustenance. The lines, "With longing eyes the creatures wait On thee for daily food," express the trust and reliance of all living beings on God's provision.
The hymn also highlights God's merciful and slow-to-anger nature. It reminds us that even in times of sorrow and distress, God is near to comfort and console. The lines, "How kind are thy compassions, Lord! How slow thine anger moves!" assure us that God's love and mercy are ever-present, ready to forgive and restore.
III. God's Care for His Servants (Stanza 5-6):
The following section of the hymn focuses on God's care for His servants and His willingness to answer their prayers. It acknowledges that God knows the pains and struggles His servants go through and that He hears their cries. The lines, "Thou know'st the pains thy servants feel, Thou hear'st thy children cry," remind us that God is intimately acquainted with our needs and is attentive to our prayers.
The hymn further emphasizes that God's mercy and deliverance are not reserved for the righteous alone but extend to all who approach Him with humility and fear. The lines, "Thou sav'st the souls whose humble love Is joined with holy fear," highlight the importance of having a sincere and reverent heart towards God.
IV. The Response of Praise and Blessing (Stanza 7-8):
In the final section of the hymn, the focus shifts to the response of believers to God's grace and goodness. It calls for every tongue to speak of God's goodness and for all people to bless His name. The lines, "My lips shall dwell upon thy praise, And spread thy fame abroad," express the desire to proclaim God's greatness and share His love with others.
The hymn concludes by affirming that all creation, from the sons of Adam to the countless creatures, should join in honoring and glorifying God. It acknowledges that God's power and praise are proclaimed throughout the earth and that believers delight in blessing His name.
Meaning and Inspiration:
The hymn "Sweet Is The Memory Of Thy Grace" is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and praise to God for His abundant grace and provision. It reminds believers of the sweetness and preciousness of God's grace in their lives. The hymn encourages believers to remember the goodness of God and to respond with praise and thanksgiving.
The inspiration behind this hymn likely stemmed from Charles Wesley's deep personal relationship with God and his experiences of God's grace in his own life. As a prolific hymn writer, Wesley often drew inspiration from his own spiritual journey and the teachings of the Bible. The hymn reflects Wesley's understanding of God's character and his desire to lead others into a closer relationship with God through worship and praise.
Biblical Analysis:
To critically analyze the biblical foundation of the hymn, let us examine the key messages and references to scripture within the song.
1. The sweetness and memory of God's grace:
The concept of God's grace being sweet and memorable aligns with biblical teachings. The Bible often emphasizes the goodness and kindness of God's grace. In Psalm 34:8, it says, "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." This verse implies that experiencing God's grace is not only comforting but also delightful.
2. God's provision for all creatures:
The hymn acknowledges God's provision for all creatures, which is consistent with biblical teachings. In Matthew 6:26, Jesus says, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" This verse highlights God's care for all His creation and His provision for their needs.
3. God's compassion and slow-to-anger nature:
The hymn emphasizes God's compassion and patience, which is in line with biblical teachings. In Psalm 103:8, it says, "The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." This verse assures us of God's loving and patient nature, even in times of distress and sorrow.
4. God's care for His servants and willingness to answer prayers:
The hymn acknowledges God's care for His servants and His willingness to listen to their prayers. In 1 Peter 5:7, it says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." This verse assures believers that God is attentive to their needs and encourages them to bring their concerns before Him.
5. The response of praise and blessing:
The hymn calls for believers to respond with praise and bless God's name, which is supported by numerous biblical references. In Psalm 145:3, it says, "Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom." This verse encourages believers to proclaim God's greatness and honor Him with their praise.
Conclusion:
"Sweet Is The Memory Of Thy Grace" is a beautiful hymn that reflects the gratitude and praise of believers for God's abundant grace and provision. It conveys the sweetness and preciousness of God's grace, His compassion and provision for all creatures, and the response of praise and blessing that believers should have. The hymn is rooted in biblical teachings and aligns with the themes of God's goodness, mercy, and provision found throughout the Bible. As believers reflect on the words of this hymn, it serves as a reminder of the unchanging nature of God's grace and His faithfulness to His people.
