FRIDAY DEVOTIONAL

One hymn that sticks in my mind is  \”Be With Me Lord\” written by L.O. Sanderson. L.O. Sanderson was a man I knew and loved. He was one of the kindest men I\’ve ever met, and he had a great sense of humor. The first time I heard this hymn sung, it resonated with me. What wonderful words, and they were from the heart of the great Christian man.

A blog was written about Bro. Sanderson by Mark Woodward. If you are interested in reading the blog, go to https://markwoodward.org/2014/01/12/sunday-hymns-be-with-me-lord/.

We met Bro. Sanderson over fifty years ago. He held several gospel meetings at our small church in Rogersville, Tennessee. He made a statement once that each time he came to Rogersville for a gospel meeting, \”the Cretsinger\’s had added another child to their family.\” We enjoyed having him in our home on several occasions.

My favorite verses of \”Be With Me Lord\” is the first and last verse. During the years when storms came into our life, I remembered that song, and I could see Bro. Sanderson standing in the pulpit leading the song.

Verse 1

Be with me, Lord — I cannot live without Thee,
I dare not try to take one step alone,
I cannot bear the loads of life, unaided,
I need Thy strength to lean myself upon.

Verse 4

Be with me, Lord, when loneliness o’ertakes me,
When I must weep amid the fires of pain,
And when shall come the hour of  my departure
For worlds unknown, O Lord, be with me then.

What wonderful thoughts when we are distressed. We need God all the time, and we need His aide in our life. Thank you Bro. Sanderson for a wonderful hymn and a wonderful example of a Christian.