God Understands

Oswald Jeffrey Smith wrote over 1,200 hymns with one hymn dedicated to his youngest sister, Ruth. Ruth and her husband Clifford were serving as first-time missionaries in Peru. As they were preparing to visit Canada during a break, Clifford was suddenly killed in a tragic car accident. Ruth and her two young boys returned to Canada where her brother penned the words to God Understands.

God understands your sorrow,

He sees the falling tear,

And whispers, “I am with thee,”

Then falter not, nor fear.
He understands your longing,

Your deepest grief He shares;

Then let Him bear your burden,

He understands, and cares.
God understands your weakness,
He knows the tempter’s pow’r;
And He will walk beside you
However dark the hour.

The heartbreak that affected Ruth was used to encourage others. It is said that this hymn saved a radio executive from suicide. Only the Lord knows the struggles of the heart and why we are going through it. The Bible encourages us to bring our burdens, cares, and anxious thoughts to the Lord. Will you trust Him today?

“…for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts.” 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NKJV).