While watching a prayer devotion this morning from Dutch Sheets, called Give Him 15, which I was recently introduced to by my friend Dennis, (Give Him 15 | Dutch Sheets) I was deeply moved by the following phrase that Dutch shared: “He that formed me in the womb, He shall guide me to the tomb; All my times shall ever be Ordered by His wise decree.”1
I was curious to know the context that the author of this phrase penned so I did a little research and found out that the author, John Ryland, wrote a hymn in 1777 called, “Sovereign Ruler of the Skies,” that included this phrase. In an article on this hymn by Ken Puls, he talks about hymns in general and Ryland’s hymn in particular as follows:
“There are many gems to be found in the old hymnals. They shine with God’s praise from past generations. They remind us that His work reaches far beyond what we see Him doing in our own day. We are but a part of a concert of praise that has been ringing throughout history.
“One such example is “Sovereign Ruler of the Skies” by the English Baptist pastor and hymn writer John Ryland (1753–1825). The hymn was written in 1777 and included in Rippon’s Selection (1787) #545. It originally had nine verses. Unfortunately, as with many hymns, it is often shortened to four or five verses when included in hymnals. Even the Baptist Psalmody (1850) #51 includes only five verses.”2
Rather than share my thoughts on this marvelous hymn I have printed all nine verses of Ryland’s inspiring words below. I pray you will take time to slowly read these verses and allow each word to bless your soul!3
Sovereign Ruler of the Skies
“My times are in Your hand” (Psalm 31:15a).
1. Sovereign Ruler of the skies!
Ever gracious, ever wise!
All my times are in Thy hand,
All events at Thy command.
2. His decree, who formed the earth,
Fixed my first and second birth;
Parents, native place and time,
All appointed were by Him.
3. He that formed me in the womb,
He shall guide me to the tomb;
All my times shall ever be
Ordered by His wise decree.
4. Times of sickness, times of health,
Times of penury and wealth;
Times of trial and of grief,
Time of triumph and relief.
5. Times the tempter’s power to prove,
Times to taste a Savior’s love:
All must come, and last and end,
As shall please my heavenly Friend.
6. Plagues and deaths around me fly,
Till He bids I cannot die:
Not a single shaft can hit
Till the God of love thinks fit.
7. O Thou Gracious, Wise and Just,
In Thy hands my life I trust:
Have I somewhat dearer still?
I resign it to Thy will.
8. May I always own Thy hand
Still to the surrender stand;
Know that Thou art God alone,
I and mine are all Thine own.
9. Thee, at all times, will I bless;
Having Thee, I all possess;
How can I bereaved be,
Since I cannot part with Thee?