CW 803: Day by Day
The Apostle Paul wrote his second letter to the young pastor Timothy near the end of his life. Paul knew that the end was near at hand and yet he was still filled with hope and comfort. Paul understood that this life is a constant struggle against sin and temptation. He knew that death was not something that needed to be feared but was the beginning of eternal life with the Lord. Paul writes, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
Day by Day is a hymn of comfort that reminds us that God is with us every day of our lives. God is in control of all things. He watches over us and sends his angels to guard and protect us. The struggles of this life can often seem overwhelming. We will face many different kinds of trials and hardships. We may endure sickness and disease. We may face times of loss and poverty. We will face hatred and persecution for our faith. During all of these times, we cling to the promise that God is with us every day. We know that God is in control of all things, and we have the absolute certainty that Christ has won the victory for us. Like Paul, we look forward to receiving our crown of righteousness.
Verse 1: Day by day, your mercies, Lord, attend me, bringing comfort to my anxious soul. Day by day, the blessings, Lord, you send me draw me nearer to my heav’nly goal. Love divine, beyond all mortal measure, brings to naught the burdens of my quest; Savior, lead me to the home I treasure, where at last I’ll find eternal rest.
Anxiety is something that many people struggle with. We may be anxious about our health, about our finances, or the state of the world. We may be tempted to wonder if God is still in control because so often it seems like the influence of Satan is growing. The number of believers seems to be shrinking and the church seems like it is constantly under attack. Verse 1 of our hymn reminds us to turn to the Lord to find rest for our anxious souls. God’s Word reminds us that God is in control of all things. We know that the power of Satan has been destroyed. Christ has won the victory by his death and resurrection. Because of the resurrection of Christ, we look forward with joyful anticipation to the great day when we will receive our heavenly treasure. We yearn for the day when we will be reunited with our blessed Savior and receive our reward of eternal rest in him.
Verse 2: Day by day, I know you will provide me strength to serve and wisdom to obey; I will seek your loving will to guide me o’er the paths I struggle day by day. I will fear no evil of the morrow, I will trust in your enduring grace. Savior, help me bear life’s pain and sorrow till in glory I behold your face.
As Christians, we fight against the temptation of our sinful flesh every day of our lives. On our own, we cannot win this fight. God’s Word reminds us that our hope and strength are found in Christ alone. God’s holy Law serves as a mirror that reminds us of our many sins and our desperate need for a Savior. The Gospel tells us the beautiful news that Jesus Christ offered his perfect life as a sacrifice for our sins. God’s Law also serves as a guide for our lives. It shows us God’s will for how we should live. We follow God’s Law not because we have to, but because we want to live in a way that is good and pleasing to our God. God’s Word in Law and Gospel gives us the strength and encouragement to fight our good fight until we see the glorious face of our Lord in heaven.
Verse 3: Oh, what joy to know that you are near me when my burdens grow too great to bear; oh, what joy to know that you will hear me when I come, O Lord, to you in prayer. Day by day, no matter what betide me, you will hold me ever in your hand. Savior, with your presence here to guide me, I will reach at last the promised land.
The Christian life is one of struggle. Jesus tells us that to be his disciple means we need to take up our cross and follow him. Often, we feel like this is a burden that is too great to bear. We face sorrow and hardship each day of our lives. We know the pain that we have caused others by our sins, and we know and feel that pain and hurt that has been done to us. When we grow weak and tired of our burden our hymn reminds us that we can turn to our Lord for relief and comfort. Jesus knows our weaknesses. He has been tempted in every way that we are and yet he was without sin. By his death, Jesus has removed our burden of guilt and shame. Our sins have been completely forgiven by the blood of the Lamb. God will never leave us or forsake us. He will be with us every day of our lives.
Day by Day is a wonderful hymn of comfort. It reminds us that God has not promised his people easy lives. We will be tempted, we will be hard-pressed, and we will face times of pain, suffering, and loss. However, God promises that he will be with us every day of our lives. Our God is merciful and compassionate. He loves us and wants to comfort and care for us. When we face difficult times in our lives, we cling to our God knowing that he is with us. We take comfort in knowing that God has kept all of his promises. And we live with the certain knowledge that our victory is assured. Christ has defeated the power of sin, death, and hell and has to us given to the crown of eternal glory.