Hymn History: Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Jehovah

Behind today’s hymn is a fascinating tale of how our God is always at work among His people. Wales in the early to mid-18th century was a very dark place. But God was at work, stirring His people.

William Williams traversed over 100,000 miles in his ministry. We can easily imagine the many times he had to stop to ask for guidance and direction from others.

As he traveled on horseback for 43 years, he surely experienced many difficulties and hardships. Thankfully, his deep faith in God is what brought him to write the mighty prayer/hymn that we know and love today. Based heavily upon God’s guidance to the children of Israel, William’s words capture the cry of a searching heart.

“Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” – Psalm 107:6-8

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Lyrics: Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Jehovah

1. Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,
pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
hold me with thy pow’rful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me till I want no more,
feed me till I want no more.

2. Open now the crystal fountain

whence the healing stream doth flow;

let the fiery, cloudy pillar

lead me all my journey through.

Strong deliv’rer, strong deliv’rer,

be thou still my strength and shield,

be thou still my strength and shield.

3. When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside;
death of death and hell’s destruction,
land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever give to thee,
I will ever give to thee.

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