In My Solitary Hours in My Dear Husband His Absence
Anne Bradstreet finds comfort and strength in God's presence and help, even in times of loss and sickness.
Anne Bradstreet's sermon reflects on her deep trust in God amidst trials, acknowledging His presence in her life, the comfort she finds in Him, and the surpassing joy she experiences in His love. She expresses her dependence on God for strength, guidance, and the fulfillment of her deepest desires, including the return of her husband. Bradstreet's prayerful plea for a better heart to serve God faithfully highlights her commitment to honoring Him and giving Him the praise He deserves.
Text
O Lord, Thou hear'st my daily moan
And see'st my dropping tears.
My troubles all are Thee before,
My longings and my fears.
Thou hitherto hast been my God;
Thy help my soul hath found.
Though loss and sickness me assailed,
Through Thee I've kept my ground.
And Thy abode Thou'st made with me;
With Thee my soul can talk;
In secret places Thee I find
Where I do kneel or walk.
Though husband dear be from me gone,
Whom I do love so well,
I have a more beloved one
Whose comforts far excel.
O stay my heart on Thee. my God,
Uphold my fainting soul.
And when I know not what to do,
I'll on Thy mercies roll.
My weakness. Thou dost know full well
Of body and of mind;
I in this world no comfort have,
But what from Thee I find.
Though children Thou has given me,
And friends I have also,
Yet if I see Thee not through them
They are no joy, but woe.
O shine upon me, blessed Lord,
Ev'n for my Saviour's sake;
In Thee alone is more than all,
And there content I'll take.
O hear me, Lord, in this request
As Thou before hast done,
Bring back my husband, I beseech,
As Thou didst once my son.
So shall I celebrate Thy praise
Ev'n while my days shall last
And talk to my beloved one
Of all Thy goodness past.
So both of us Thy kindness, Lord,
With praises shall recount
And serve Thee better than before
Whose blessings thus surmount.
But give me, Lord, a better heart,
Then better shall I be,
To pay the vows which I do owe
Forever unto Thee.
Unless Thou help, what can I do
But still my frailty show?
If Thou assist me, Lord,
I shall Return Thee what I owe.
Sermon Outline
- God's Presence and Help
- God hears and sees the speaker's troubles and fears
- God has been the speaker's help in times of loss and sickness
Key Quotes
“O Lord, Thou hear'st my daily moan And see'st my dropping tears.” — Anne Bradstreet
“In Thee alone is more than all, And there content I'll take.” — Anne Bradstreet
“Unless Thou help, what can I do But still my frailty show?” — Anne Bradstreet
Application Points
- Stay focused on God in times of difficulty and loss.
- Recognize your weaknesses and frailties, and ask God to give you a better heart.
- Find joy and happiness in God, not in earthly relationships or comforts.