Just as another reminder, COVID-19 is not the first plague The Church has survived. In 1519, a plague struck Zurich and led to one man to pen this old hymn that has become somewhat popular since coronavirus reminded us that plagues exist and that our society isn’t immune to them.
The writer of the hymn is Hulrych Zwingli. The video and the lyrics are below. Remember, when the loneliness, isolation and depression of our current situation gets the best of you, your brothers and sisters in Christ have been in the same position and have reached for the same strong and kind hand you reach for.
Lyrics:
Help me, O Lord, my strength and rock;
Lo, at the door I hear death’s knock.
Uplift thine arm once pierced for me,
That conquered death and set me free.
Yet, if thy voice in life’s midday
Recalls my soul, then I obey.
In faith and hope, earth I resign.
Secure of heaven, for I am thine.
I am thine, O I am thine;
What sweet comfort, I am thine.
I am held by a hand both strong and kind.
What sweet comfort, I am thine.
My pains increase, haste to console;
For fear and woe seize body and soul.
Death is at hand, my senses fail.
My tongue is dumb; now, Christ, prevail.
Lo! Satan strains to snatch his prey;
I feel his grasp; must I give way?
He harms me not, I fear no loss,
For here I lie, beneath thy cross.
(Chorus)
My God! My Lord! Healed by thy hand.
Upon the earth once more I stand.
Let sin no more rule over me;
My mouth shall sing alone to thee.
Though now delayed, my hour will come.
Involved, perchance, in deeper gloom.
But, let it come; with joy I’ll rise,
And bear my yoke straight to the skies.
I am thine, O I am thine.
What sweet comfort, I am thine.
I am held by a hand both strong and kind.
What sweet comfort, I am thine.
O what sweet comfort, I am thine.
Forever comfort, I am thine.
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