Hitherto and Henceforth

"Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that Thou hast brought me hitherto?... According to Thine own heart, hast Thou done all this greatness, in making known all these great things" (1 Chronicles 17:16,19).  "A Friend loveth at all times, and a Brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17).  "The kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared… According to His mercy He saved us… that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:4-7). 

Now who are we that God would show

Such love that brought us hitherto? 

According to His heart, we know,

He did all that He said He'd do.

According to His heart He planned

To rescue us and pay a price

Far greater than we understand

When He became our Sacrifice.

How kindly did our Lord descend 

With greater love than any other

To be the sinner's dearest Friend

And not ashamed to be our Brother!

Lord, hitherto Your heart has found

A way to be our Hiding Place,

And henceforth shall Your love abound

To justify us by Your grace!