For All the Saints is one of my favorite hymns. It has often
encouraged me during the episodes of major depression, and after
the loss of our daughter Lindsay,who was nineteen years old, when she went
to be with the Lord.
In 1985, after an internship, my wife Robyn and I moved to Scranton,
PA. We did this to get much needed familial help ,when my depression
had come on me suddenly, and for a period disabled me.
While attending my brother's church we sang it often.
I was especially
drawn to the fifth and sixth verses of the song below.
Here are the verses, and my running commentary.
I was battling the fiercest of foes.
and the warfare long,
It seemed like forever to get the help I needed.
But then came a great reminder from God.
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
It was not a loud song.It was not boisterous. It
stealed on the ear. It was like what happened
to the British during the Boer/War. The discouraged, soldiers
had been almost outflanked by the enemy . It was a terrifying situation.
The British soldiers,heard the distant sound of the bagpipes.
This meant Scottish Re-enforcements were coming.
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Their hearts were brave again.
Brave hearts spawn strong arms. The battle
must go on. The devil is strong. But this fallen angel,
is no match for our Champion, the Lorded Jesus Christ,
who is omnipotent and will soon "crush Satan under
your feet, Romans 16:20 (NASB)
6. But, lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of Glory passes on His way.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
But that was not the end of my trials
Someday, the King of Glory, the Lord Jesus Christ
will break into history not to die again for sin, but, He
will extinguish Satan and all that are evil. He will take
his soldiers to heaven, where they can rest from their labors
(Revelation 19:11-21 NASB).
Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their
eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall be any more pain. For the former things are passed away.
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Here is the song below.
For All the Saints Who from Their Labors Rest"
by William W. Howe, 1823-1897https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JAz0EUZqu0
1. For all the saints who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confess,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
2. Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress, and their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
3. Oh, may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old
And win with them the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
4. O blest communion, fellowship divine,
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
5. And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
6. But, lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of Glory passes on His way.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
7. From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son,and Holy Ghost,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
8. The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon, to faithful warriors come rest.
Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Many times because my brain chemistry was not working I would began
to sob in front of the pew/ It was third verse which encouragement. An encouragement that is rarely realized in the deep darkness that depression brings/
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Heb. 12:1
Author: William W. How, 1864,
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