Lord, It Belongs Not to My Care
Lord, it belongs not to my care
This hymn expresses the Lutheran doctrine of Christian freedom and trust in Divine Providence, reflecting the believer's peace in surrendering life and death to God's will. The text embodies both Law (acknowledgment of human dependence) and Gospel (assurance of God's loving care), central to Lutheran piety.
History & Background
Richard Baxter wrote this hymn in 1681 as part of his devotional poetry during a period of persecution and imprisonment. It was published in his collected works and has been widely used in Protestant hymnody, particularly valued for its expression of Christian resignation and trust in God's sovereignty.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 757
- Trinity Hymnal — 417
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 527
Bulletin Note
Penned by Puritan theologian Richard Baxter (1615–1691), this 1681 hymn distills Protestant confidence in Divine Providence. Its spare, direct language reflects deep pastoral experience and remains a comfort in times of grief and uncertainty.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel dialectic perfectly: it diagnoses our futile human striving for control, then proclaims the Gospel's liberating truth that our lives are hidden with Christ in God, freeing us to obey and love without fear.
Themes
Trust in God's Providence Christian Contentment Separation of Soul and Body Commitment to Christ Peace in Suffering