Isaiah 32:2 says that Jesus is like “the shade of a great rock in a weary land.”
For the saint, this world is a weary land — a hard country full of briers and thorns. John Newton, the author of Amazing Grace, said it well: “Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come.”
Despite the wear-and-tear of life in this bitter place, there most assuredly is a sympathy and comfort that only the Christian can know. Whether worn out from indwelling sin, the sins of others, temptations, afflictions, troubles, pressures without, or fears within, weary pilgrims will find safety and refreshment in Christ, the Rock.
Matthew Henry tells us, “The consolations and graces of his Spirit are as rivers of water in this dry land; and as the overhanging rock affords refreshing shade and shelter to the weary traveler in the desert, so his power, truth, and love, yield the believer the only real protection and refreshment in the weary land through which he journeys to heaven.”
This journey may be long and hard, but like the Psalmist, when our hearts are faint we can cry, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalms 61:2).
I found this hymn yesterday that ministered to me greatly. I pray it blesses you, too. I don’t know who the author is and I can’t find anything along the way of its history. If anyone can provide any background I would be most grateful.
If you are weary pilgrim today, may you take refuge in God, your Rock. He will hold us steady to the end!
Weary Pilgrim on Life’s Pathway
Weary pilgrim on life’s pathway
—Struggling on beneath thy load—
Hear these words of consolation,
“Cast thy burden on the Lord.”
Cast thy burden on the Lord!
Cast thy burden on the Lord,
And He will strengthen thee,
sustain and comfort thee—
Cast thy burden on the Lord.
Are thy tired feet unsteady?
Does thy lamp no light afford?
Is thy cross too great and heavy?
“Cast thy burden on the Lord.”
Are the ties of friendship severed?
Hushed the voices fondly heard?
Breaks thy heart with weight of anguish?
“Cast thy burden on the Lord.”
Does thy heart with faintness falter?
Does thy mind forget His word?
Does thy strength succumb to weakness?
“Cast thy burden on the Lord.”
He will hold thee up from falling;
He will guide thy steps aright;
He will strengthen each endeavor;
He will keep thee by His might.
Source: Hymnal.net
Beautiful and very encouraging post and hymn, Christina.
“when our hearts are faint we can cry, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I”. We can cry and He will lead us!
Love and blessings!
I find that I am frequently a weary pilgrim Christina. This is such a comforting post. And such a beautiful hymn.
Thank you sister!
Me too, Diane! Thank you for your visit which always brightens my day!
Thanks for the encouragement. What a blessing to cast our burden on the Lord.
As always thank you for the love and encouragement that flows from the “Heavenly springs”. I love this hymn, it says so much…so sweetly. Love and blessings to you dear Sister!
Christina your hymn was written by William J. Kirkpatrick. Here is a bio about him on Cyberhymnal.
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/k/i/r/kirkpatrick_wj.htm
Wonderful! Thank you Teresa! Love you dearly!
Wow, Teresa. He wrote a lot of music! I’m going through the list now. What a blessing this brother was to the body!
Isn’t it amazing how prolific some of these old saints were? I just sing these songs week after week and take it for granted.
Love you too Christina, I hope you have a wonderful weekend my sweet Sister!
What a lovely hymn! Thank God for the safety and refreshment in Christ, our Rock. Thanks for this encouraging post Christina. 🙂
This is a beautiful hymn. I think, more often than not I am a weary pilgrim.
My heart so resonates with this hymn-thank you Christina for sharing it. I am so grateful that God himself holds me and keeps me in those weary moments when in my own strength-I would faint.
Just what I needed, Christina. Feeling the weariness very much of late.