The Will of God Is Always Best
The will of God is always best
This hymn expresses classical Lutheran understanding of God's sovereign will and providence, teaching believers to accept divine providence with trust rather than complaint. It reflects Luther's emphasis on the hiddenness of God's will and the need for faith to embrace what reason cannot understand.
History & Background
Originally written in German as 'Gottes Wille' by Samuel Rodigast during the Thirty Years' War, reflecting profound trust amid suffering and loss. The text was first published in German hymnals in the 17th century and translated into English by Frances Bevan in 1884.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 758
- Lutheran Worship — 425
- Trinity Hymnal — 108
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 517
Translation
Bulletin Note
Samuel Rodigast, a German Lutheran pastor, wrote this in 1675 during plague years. It anchors the classical Lutheran conviction that faith means trusting God's purpose even when reason fails.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens the Law's demand for surrender and the Gospel's promise that God's hidden will—precisely because it is God's—is mercy clothed in mystery.
Themes
God's providence Submission to divine will Trust in adversity Acceptance of suffering God's wisdom