Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow
Through the night of doubt and sorrow
The hymn exemplifies Lutheran confidence in Christ's resurrection as the foundation for Christian hope amid earthly suffering and doubt. It reflects the Lutheran emphasis on Law and Gospel, moving from despair to the assurance of Christ's eternal victory and the believer's participation in His triumph.
History & Background
Written by Danish poet Bernhardt Severin Ingemann in 1825, this hymn was originally titled 'Sorgen var min Trøst i Natten' (Sorrow was my Comfort in the Night). Sabine Baring-Gould translated it into English in 1867, and it became widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals throughout the English-speaking world.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 335
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 355
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 405
- Lutheran Worship — 377
- New Century Hymnal — 220
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 481
Translation
Bulletin Note
Danish hymnist Bernhardt Severin Ingemann (1789–1862) composed this hymn in 1825, capturing post-Reformation Lutheran confidence in resurrection hope. Its sturdy four-line stanzas have anchored believers through doubt for nearly two centuries.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel movement: it names our genuine night of doubt and sorrow, then proclaims the victorious Gospel that Christ's resurrection transforms despair into the Christian's sure and certain hope.
Themes
Resurrection hope Faith through trials Christ's victory Morning breaking