========================================================================
  O GOD, OUR HELP IN AGES PAST
  by Isaac Watts
========================================================================

Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of relying on God's
eternal nature and character for guidance and protection throughout all
of life's challenges.

Topics: "Gods Eternal Nature", "Christian Hope"
Scripture References: Psalm 46:1, Psalm 90:1, Isaiah 40:8, James 1:17, 1 Peter 1:24

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Isaac Watts, in his sermon, emphasizes God's eternal nature as our help,
hope, shelter, and eternal home. He highlights the transient nature of
human life compared to the everlasting presence of God, urging listeners
to find security and defense in Him alone. Watts reminds the
congregation of the brevity of life and the importance of seeking God's
protection and guidance in the midst of troubles, knowing that He is
constant and unchanging throughout all ages.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal home.

2 Under the shadow of thy throne

Thy saints have dwelt secure;

Sufficient is thine arm alone,

And our defence is sure.

3 Before the hills in order stood,

Or earth receiv'd her frame,

From everlasting thou art God,

To endless years the same.

4 Thy word commands our flesh to dust,

'Return, ye sons of men':

All nations rose from earth at first,

And turn to earth again.

5 A thousand ages in thy sight

Are like an evening gone;

Short as the watch that ends the night

Before the rising sun.

6 The busy tribes of flesh and blood,

With all their lives and cares,

Are carried downwards by thy flood,

And lost in following years.

7 Time like an ever-rolling stream

Bears all its sons away;

They fly forgotten as a dream

Dies at the opening day.

8 Like flowering fields the nations stand

Pleas'd with the morning light;

The flowers beneath the mower's hand

Lie withering ere 'tis night.

9 Our God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Be thou our guard while troubles last,

And our eternal home.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/isaac-watts/o-god-our-help-in-ages-past/
========================================================================