If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee
If thou but suffer God to guide thee
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran confidence in God's hidden providence working through all circumstances for the believer's good. It affirms the paradox that suffering itself, when received with faith, becomes an instrument of God's guidance and grace.
History & Background
Georg Neumark composed this hymn in German as 'Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten' in 1657 during a period of personal distress and uncertainty. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1863, and it became one of the most beloved Lutheran hymns of patient trust in English-speaking churches.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 738
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 453
- Lutheran Service Book — 750
- Lutheran Worship — 420
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 518
- United Methodist Hymnal — 142
- With One Voice — 750
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Georg Neumark in 1657 during religious upheaval, this hymn anchors faith in God's hidden but certain providence. A jewel of Lutheran hymnody, it transforms suffering into the pulpit of grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran paradox: the Law accuses us of trusting ourselves rather than God, yet the Gospel announces that our very suffering, when yielded to His guidance, becomes the arena where His fatherly love proves itself most real.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Fourth Petition Small Catechism — The Lord's Prayer
Themes
Divine providence Trust in God Patient suffering Faith in adversity God's guidance