In his book Hymns of Faith, Nathanael Olson wisely observes, 'Who
can comprehend the faith and wisdom of a child?'
That's something I've often thought about myself. It seems that the
faith of a child is unclouded by doubt or unbelief. Children believe
implicitly in the power of God to answer prayer; and in His
willingness to do so. They just can't entertain failure in the matter
of their prayers.
I must add that I've often been impressed by this same simple faith in
the hearts of my own children. So it was with the nine year old son of
a baptist minister in 1904.
The Rev. W. Stillman Martin had an invitation to preach in New York
City. However, his wife was ill; too ill to accompany him on the
journey; perhaps too ill to be left behind while he went away. He
thought of cancelling the engagement and staying by her side.
Sensing his father's concern the nine year old son enquired, 'Daddy,
don't you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take
care of Mother while you're away?' The father thought about this for a
moment and then replied, 'Yes son, I know He will.'
Thus, assured, he kissed his wife and son goodbye and hurried of to
fulfil the preaching engagement as planned.
On his return, some time later, he was pleasantly surprised to find
his wife greatly improved. As he came to her bed side she handed him a
poem she had written in his absence- a poem of comfort inspired by
their son's simple faith. "Be not dismayed what'er betide, God will
take care of you' Beneath his wings of love abide, God will take care
of you".
God will take care of you,
Through every day,
O're all the way;
He will take care of you
The Reverend Martin placed the words on the music stand of the organ
and in a short time had composed a tune which suited his wife's words
perfectly.
God will take care of you is a real hymn of encouragement. It assures
us that 'through days of toil, 'in times of danger or need,' in fact,
'no matter what the test,' God will take care of His people. Of
course, that's a premise which is Bible based.
Thank God for the little nine year old boy who saw it more clearly
than his preacher Dad did at first!
