Recently, all eyes in America were glued to television news stations, with coverage of Hurricane Ike’s devastating descent on the Texas coastline. Images of enormous waves, destructive winds, and rising floodwaters filled our minds as millions of prayers were uttered for those in the path of the storm.

The popular hymn, “A Shelter in the Time of Storm,” was written by an English pastor, Vernon J. Charlesworth, in the late 1800s. Set to a different tune than what we’re familiar with today, the song became popular with fishermen on the north coast of England. They were often heard singing it as they approached their home harbors while storms were raging.

In 1885, composer Ira D Sankey wrote and copyrighted the tune that we still know today, and added the refrain. Although this song is more than a century old, it still speaks to us today, as we seek refuge from the storms that enter every life – the only true shelter is in our Rock, our Lord.

A Shelter in the Time of Storm

Author: Vernon J. Charleswort

Composer: Ira D. Sankey, 1885

The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide -
A shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide -
A shelter in the time of storm.

Refrain:

O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land -
A shelter in the time of storm.

A shade by day, defense by night -
A shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes affright -
A shelter in the time of storm.

Refrain

The raging storms may round us beat -
A shelter in the time of storm;
We’ll never leave our safe retreat -
A shelter in the time of storm.

Refrain

O Rock divine, O Refuge dear -
A shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our helper ever near -
A shelter in the time of storm.

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In between cleaning, cooking, and chasing a toddler, Jeni blogs daily about life, faith, and parenting at Allen Family Circus.

References:

1. Morgan, Robert J. The Sings My Soul, Book 2. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2004.
2. Osbeck, Kenneth W. 101 More Hymn Stories. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1985.
3. Photo courtesy of Krikit.