O God. the Rock of Ages - Hymn with Lyrics

 

1. O God, the Rock of Ages,
who evermore hast been,
what time the tempest rages,
our dwelling place serene:
before thy first creations,
O Lord, the same as now,
to endless generations
the Everlasting Thou!

2. Our years are like the shadows
on sunny hills that lie,
or grasses in the meadows
that blossom but to die;
a sleep, a dream, a story
by strangers quickly told,
and unremaining glory
of things that soon are old.

3. O thou who canst not slumber,
whose light grows never pale,
teach us aright to number
our years before they fail;
on us thy mercy lighten,
on us thy goodness rest,
and let thy Spirit brighten
the hearts thyself hast blessed.

4. Lord, crown our faith's endeavor
with beauty and with grace,
till, clothed in light forever,
we see thee face to face:
a joy no language measures;
a fountain brimming o'er;
an endless flow of pleasures;
an ocean without shore.

Scripture; 1 Chronicles 29:15; 

Psalm 27:5; 

1 Corinthians 13:12

The hymn "O God, the Rock of Ages" was written by Thomas D. Williams in 1886. Williams, an American hymn writer, composed both the lyrics and the music for the hymn.

The hymn "O God, the Rock of Ages" reflects themes of steadfast faith, divine protection, and trust in God's unchanging power. Its story intertwines with the broader history of hymn-writing and Christian worship.

Historical Background

The title evokes the imagery of "Rock of Ages," a metaphor for God derived from Scripture, particularly:

• Isaiah 26:4: "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
• Psalm 18:2: "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer."

The hymn "O God, the Rock of Ages" was written to capture the sense of security and refuge found in God's eternal nature, much like its better-known cousin, "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me" by Augustus Toplady.

Context of the Hymn's Creation

If we focus on "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me" (often confused with other similar hymns), it has a vivid backstory:

• Augustus Toplady (1740–1778), a preacher and hymn writer, reportedly conceived the hymn during a storm in England's Mendip Hills. Caught in the storm, he found shelter in a cleft in the rock, which inspired the imagery of God's protection in his hymn.

For "O God, the Rock of Ages", the precise origin may vary depending on the composer and lyricist. It often resonates with themes of endurance through trials and reliance on God's immutable strength, tying deeply to both the literal and symbolic meanings of "Rock of Ages."