Jennie Bain Wilson (1856–913) was wheelchair-bound for her entire adult life after suffering from an infection of the spine in her childhood. She also suffered the loss of both her parents at a young age—her father while she was an infant and her mother at ten years old. These trials and her infirmity, however, didn't stop her from being baptized in 1881, where she was carried into a stream on a chair by helpers. She declared at that time, "It gave me much joy to confess my dear Savior."
Her most famous hymn, "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand,"1 emphasizes the complete reliability of God. In life, Ms. Wilson experienced many unpleasant changes, but she knew by the Word and by experience that her heavenly Father did not change; His character, His goodness, and His love remained the same. As it is written in the letter of James:
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)
And so our God is completely reliable, the One whose hand we can hold through every trial. This song is a great one for reminding ourselves (and each other!) to put our trust in our loving, unchanging Father and not the things of this world.
Time is filled with swift transition.
Naught of earth unmoved can stand.
Build your hopes on things eternal.
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.Hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand.
Hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand.
Build your hopes on things eternal.
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.Trust in Him who will not leave you.
Whatsoever years may bring.
If by earthly friends forsaken,
Still more closely to Him cling.Covet not this world’s vain riches
That so rapidly decay.
Seek to gain the heav’nly treasures.
They will never pass away.When your journey is completed,
If to God you have been true,
Fair and bright the home in Glory
Your enraptured soul will view.
FOOTNOTES
Jennie Bain Wilson, "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand," 1905.
Enjoy a version of this song by Sandra McCracken: Sandra McCracken, "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand," Integrity Music, August 31, 2022, Official Lyric Video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcEJ5QviG_k.
Essene Press Team
