Take My Hand, Lord

There is a saying that people love to quote when things go wrong: A setback is a setup for a comeback. Yet, this statement, though encouraging, would fall on deaf ears in the life of Thomas Andrew Dorsey. You see, in 1932 he lost both his wife and his newborn son.

Thomas Andrew Dorsey was born in Georgia but moved to Chicago. He was a secular musician who suffered a severe illness and that experience led to his conversion. He joined Pilgrim Baptist Church and served as the choir director for forty years. He is known as the Father of Black Gospel Music. He combined traditional gospel music with jazz and blues.

While he was a young man, he got married and they were expecting their first child. He had an engagement as the soloist for a revival in St. Louis. He was reluctant but decided to attend the event. His ministry was well received and the crowd couldn’t get enough of him. When he was finally able to sit and rest for a while, he received a telegram with the news that his wife died but he had a son.  That same night, the baby also died.

It was a bitter pill to swallow. He felt abandoned by God. He wondered why did God allow this to happen in his life? One day, he sat at the piano and his fingers started to go over the keys. He composed the song, Precious Lord, Take My Hand. The song made its debut at Atlanta Ebenezer Baptist Church. That song was a hit at the church and became a favorite of the pastor, Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr.

My grandmother used to listen to this song by Jim Reeves. When I listen to the song, I hear a prayer for strength during the dark moments of life. You can almost hear David in Psalm 23 as you listen to the song. The song’s message brings comfort when life’s burdens seem too heavy. The Chorus says:

 Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, let me stand

I am tired, I’m weak, I am worn

Through the storm, through the night

Lead me on to the light

Take my hand, precious Lord

Lead me home

Whatever storms come into your life, like David you can say, Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff  protect and comfort me. Psalm 24:3. If you need Him, He will be there for you.

Thought for Today: Friend, in life’s difficult moments, trust God.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.