Abide with Me, ELW 629, v. 2 & 4
2 Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see.
O Thou, who changest not, abide with me!
4 Come not in terror, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings;
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea.
Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.
Devotion
The year is quickly drawing to a close. Days are getting shorter and the growing things of summer are going dormant for the arrival of winter. For some this is a favorite time of year, but for others these changes can be painful reminders of loss.
Others may be struggling with other times of change. Many suffer from loss of jobs or change in economic situation. Churches experience changes in numbers or community. Even good changes can bring stress. We live in changing times, but has there ever been a generation that could not say the same?
In the 19th century, Henry Lyte wrote, “change and decay in all around I see.” It is all too easy to fall into fear when all that is familiar seems to be changing. But through every change and in every season of life, God is with us. Fears cannot destroy us, for nothing can harm the life we have in Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Lord God, you are present with us every passing hour. Help us to live today confident in the hope you give us. Amen.