(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith)
This particular hymn I don’t remember singing. And when I typed it up, I didn’t find the theology bad, per say, but the metaphor just seemed a little off-kilter to me, somehow. Not the best lyric to my way of thinking.
1
Fierce and wild the storm is raging Round a helpless bark,
On to doom ‘tis swiftly driving, O’er the waters dark!
CHORUS
Joy! Behold the Saviour! Joy! The message hear:
Joy, O Joy! Behold the Savior! Joy, O joy! The message hear;
“I’ll stand by until the morning – I’ve come to save you, do nto fear;
Yes, I’ll stand by until the morning – I’ve come to save you, do not fear”.
(do not fear.”)
2
Weary, helpless, hopeless seamen, Fainting on the deck,
With what joy they hail their Savior, As He hails their wreck!
CHORUS
3
On a wild and stormy ocean, Sinking ‘neath the wave,
Souls that perish heed the message – Christ has come to save!
CHORUS
4
Daring death thy soul to rescue, He in love has come;
Leave the wreck and, in Him trusting, Thou shalt reach thy home!
CHORUS