Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me
Why should cross and trial grieve me
Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me is a hymn text by Martin Behm (1610) in 8.8.8.8.8.8 meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in elw 739, lsb 756, luyh 405, lw 423.
This hymn articulates the Lutheran understanding that God ordains all circumstances—including suffering—for the refinement and testing of faith. It reflects the theological conviction that trials strengthen Christian faith and witness to God's sovereign care and redemptive purpose.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this hymn in early 17th-century Germany as a meditation on Christian suffering and trust. It was published in German hymnals and later translated into English by Catherine Winkworth, one of the primary translators of German Lutheran hymns.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 739
- Lutheran Service Book — 756
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 405
- Lutheran Worship — 423
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 523
- Voices Together — 617
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed in 1610 by Martin Behm, this Reformation hymn teaches that trials refine faith as fire refines gold, reflecting Lutheran theology of God's sovereign care even in suffering. The tune Herzlich Tuer Mich carries both dignity and sorrow.
Preaching Connection
This hymn exemplifies the Lutheran insistence that God ordains all things, including suffering, for our sanctification—a theologically robust answer to theodicy that keeps both Law (the burden of trial) and Gospel (God's redemptive purpose) in view.
Overview
Paul Gerhardt's hymn of cheerful trust under the cross, from Praxis pietatis melica (1653), written by a man who lost four of his five children and his wife. No one can rob me of the heaven Christ has given (st. 1); the cross is sent by God, who knows how to end it (st. 2); he gives both glad and sad days and never leaves me (st. 3); those planted in Christ are fearless even in death (st. 4), which only delivers us to glory (st. 5); earthly goods are a handful of sand, Christ's gifts eternal (st. 6); I was his before I knew him, bought by his blood (st. 7); and I will never dethrone him from my heart (st. 8). The short internal-rhyme lines give it a buoyant, almost defiant cheer.
Central theme: Confidence under the cross because Christ is near, heaven is secure, and I am his by his blood
Structure
Eight six-line stanzas (8.3.3.6 D with internal rhyme). Trials (1-3) — death (4-5) — earthly vs. heavenly goods (6) — belonging to Christ (7-8).
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel throughout; the cross and death are named and defeated.
Confessional Connections
The cross as fatherly discipline, not punishment (Ap XII.151ff). Election in Christ as comfort: 'I was Thine even e'er I knew Thee' (Eph 1:4; FC XI.43-49). Redemption 'by Thy blood' (SC Second Article). Death as entrance to glory (AC XVII).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Times of trial; funerals; Trinity season; general.
Historical Notes
Gerhardt (1607-1676); first printed 1653. John Kelly (1833-1890) translated Gerhardt's hymns (1867).
About the Tune
WARUM SOLLT ICH MICH DENN GRÄMEN (Johann G. Ebeling, 1666).
Scripture References
Ps 73:23-26 Heb 13:5 Rom 8:35-39 1 Pet 1:4 Heb 12:6 1 Cor 10:13 Job 2:10 Eccl 7:14 Ps 1:3 Jer 17:7-8 Phil 1:21-23 Rev 14:13 Eccl 1:2 Matt 6:19-20 Eph 1:4 Jer 1:5 1 Pet 1:18-19 Song 2:16 1 Cor 13:12
Stanza by Stanza
Why should cross and trial grieve me? Christ is near with his cheer; he will never leave me. Who can rob me of the heaven that God's Son has given my faith as my own?
'I am continually with you' (Ps 73:23, TLH's text). 'I will never leave you' (Heb 13:5). Heaven is 'given… to my faith' — an inheritance kept in heaven (1 Pet 1:4) that no one can steal (Rom 8:35-39).
- Scripture
- Ps 73:23, Heb 13:5, 1 Pet 1:4, Rom 8:35-39
- Imagery & language
- Christ near; heaven given.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — inalienable heaven.
- Connection to previous
- Confidence.
Though I bear a heavy cross and my heart feels the pain, should I despair? God my helper, who sends it, knows all my sorrow and how best to end it.
The cross is sent by God (Heb 12:6) — not chance — and God 'knows… how best to end it' (1 Cor 10:13). Fatherly discipline, not wrath.
- Scripture
- Heb 12:6, 1 Cor 10:13, 2 Cor 12:7-9
- Imagery & language
- Heavy cross; God sends and ends.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — God's purpose in the cross.
- Connection to previous
- The cross.
God often gives me days of gladness; should I grieve if he also gives seasons of sadness? God is good and always tempers all my ills, and he will never leave me completely.
Job 2:10: 'Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?' Eccl 7:14. God 'tempers' — limits — suffering. Never forsaken.
- Scripture
- Job 2:10, Eccl 7:14, Lam 3:31-33, Heb 13:5
- Imagery & language
- Glad and sad days.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — God's goodness in both.
- Connection to previous
- Seasons.
Those planted in Christ appear everywhere hopeful, cheerful and undaunted. Death itself cannot frighten them; they rejoice when the voice of their Lord calls them.
'Planted in Christ' — like a tree by water (Ps 1:3; Jer 17:7-8), by Baptism (Rom 6:5). Fearless in death (Phil 1:21-23) — the Lord's call is welcome.
- Scripture
- Ps 1:3, Jer 17:7-8, Rom 6:5, Phil 1:21-23
- Imagery & language
- Planted; undaunted.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — fearlessness in Christ.
- Connection to previous
- Planted in Christ.
Death cannot destroy forever; it will deliver us from our fears, cares and tears. It will close life's sad story and make a way for us to enter heavenly glory.
Death is not final destruction but deliverance (Rev 14:13; 21:4). 'Close life's mournful story' — the end of sorrow. Death becomes a door to glory (John 14:2-3).
- Scripture
- Rev 14:13, Rev 21:4, 1 Cor 15:54-57, John 14:2-3
- Imagery & language
- Death as deliverer; door.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — death transformed.
- Connection to previous
- Death.
What is everything this life possesses but a handful of sand that troubles the heart? Christ our Lord will give his saints noble gifts forever that never grow stale.
'Vanity of vanities' (Eccl 1:2). A 'hand full of sand' — slipping through the fingers. Christ's gifts are eternal (Matt 6:19-20; 1 Pet 1:4).
- Scripture
- Eccl 1:2, Matt 6:19-20, 1 Pet 1:4, Ps 16:11
- Imagery & language
- Handful of sand.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — eternal gifts.
- Connection to previous
- Sand.
Lord, my Shepherd, take me to you. You are mine; I was yours even before I knew you. I am yours, for you bought me; I stood lost, but your blood brought me free salvation.
'I was Thine, even e'er I knew Thee' — election in Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4; Jer 1:5; 2 Tim 1:9). FC XI presents election as comfort, not speculation. 'Thou hast bought me… Thy blood free salvation brought me' (1 Pet 1:18-19).
- Scripture
- Eph 1:4, Jer 1:5, 2 Tim 1:9, John 10:14, 27-29, 1 Pet 1:18-19
- Imagery & language
- Shepherd; mine and Thine; bought.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — election and redemption.
- Connection to previous
- Belonging.
You are mine; I love and confess you. Light of joy, I will never dethrone you from my heart. Savior, let me soon see you face to face — may your grace always enfold me!
'My beloved is mine, and I am his' (Song 2:16). 'Light of Joy.' 'Face to face' (1 Cor 13:12). The final petition rests on grace, not on the strength of our love.
- Scripture
- Song 2:16, 1 Cor 13:12, Rev 22:4
- Imagery & language
- Mine; throne of the heart; face to face.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — love and vision.
- Connection to previous
- Face to face.
Themes
Suffering and faith Cross and redemption Trust in God's providence Christian perseverance Joy amid tribulation