If You but Trust in God to Guide You
If you but trust in God to guide you
This hymn embodies the Lutheran emphasis on trust in God's sovereign care and the doctrine of providence, reflecting the assurance that believers find in God's word despite earthly troubles. It exemplifies the Lutheran balance between acknowledging human weakness and affirming God's omnipotent guidance, central to pastoral care and comfort.
History & Background
Written by Sigmund von Birken, a German Lutheran poet, the original German text 'Vertrau auf Gott in allen Dingen' was published in 1663. Catherine Winkworth translated this beloved hymn into English in 1863, making it widely accessible to English-speaking Lutheran congregations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 565
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 702
- Glory to God — 816
- The Hymnal 1982 — 635
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 453
- Lutheran Service Book — 750
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 429
- Lutheran Worship — 420
- New Century Hymnal — 410
- Trinity Hymnal — 670
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 518
- United Methodist Hymnal — 142
- Voices Together — 851
Translation
Bulletin Note
Sigmund von Birken (1663) wrote this during the Thirty Years' War's aftermath. The tune NEUMARK's steady, ascending phrases musically embody the hymn's message of sure guidance through life's trials.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms Law-awareness of human helplessness into Gospel-confidence in divine providence, making it a perfect complement to any sermon on trusting God's guidance in uncertainty or suffering.
Themes
Trust in God's providence Divine guidance and protection Faith in adversity God's faithfulness Reliance on God's wisdom