ASSURANCE

God Will Take Care of You

The hymn, “God Will Take Care of You” was written by Civilla Dufree Martin (1869-1948). She taught several years in village schools and also studied music. She supported her husband’s evangelistic ministry with her musical abilities and collaborated with her husband Walter in writing several gospel songs.

On a Sunday afternoon, while enduring a sudden illness in 1904, at the Practical Bible Training School in Lestershire, New York; Civilla Martin wrote the words to this beloved hymn. Her husband Walter had a preaching appointment the same afternoon. He considered cancelling the appointment to stay with his wife. Their young son exclaimed, “Father, don’t you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take care of mother while you’re away?” Walter kept his preaching appointment, and saw several people profess Christ as their Savior.

Civilla was inspired by the words of her son, and wrote the words to this hymn. Later that afternoon after Walter returned from preaching she gave him the words she had written. Right away he sat down at his little Bilhorn organ and wrote the music for the hymn. Later in the evening he sang the song with the help of two teachers. Walter added the song to a songbook he was in the process of compiling for the school.

The songbook, Songs of Redemption and Praise was published the next year, 1905.

The original title of the hymn was, “Be Not Dismayed”. In 1911 the company Coleman and Reynolds published the song in the songbook, The New Evangel (No.8).

Civilla Martin knew what God’s Word said about her circumstances. The overall hymn is inspired by 1 Peter 5:7 “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares for you”.(NLT) Specifically stanza three is inspired by James 1:12, “God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him”.(NLT)

1. Be not dismayed whate’er betide, God will take care of you;

                  Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.

2. Thro’ days of toil when heart doth fail, God will take care of you;

                  When dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you.

3. No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you;

                  Lean, weary one, upon His breast, God will take care of you.

            God will take care of you, through ev’ry day, o’er all the way;

            He will take care of you, God will take care of you.

Though we face uncertain times occasionally, we must remember that they pass. They are all temporary. God is never surprised by them and He is always at work in them. Government, no matter how well meaning, cannot sustain us. Only God can sustain us. Be still and watch His mighty hand at work. Then be astonished when He confounds all mankind with works that cannot be explained by conventional wisdom. They will only be able to say, “it’s a miracle”. He still works miracles! You will know it when it happens.

“Dear brothers and sisters, whenever troubles comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.” James 1:2 (NLT)

Read these encouraging scripture passages for further assurance of God’s provision in our lives:

Job 23:10; Psalm 57:1; Isaiah 41:10; Luke 12:22-24; Philippians 4:19; 1 Peter 5:7

Bro. Andy