(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