Musical Encouragement #4 - "Dear Refuge..."

"Dear refuge of my weary soul..." That's how this, one of my favorite hymns, begins. I was first introduced to this song in college by the man who sings on this recording. He was of the mindset that college students, much like everyone else, need to be reminded that God is our refuge in the midst of difficult seasons of life. As my life has gone through ups and downs, this song has been an incredible encouragement. I've had the privilege to teach this song to several different congregations over the years. Dozens have come to me during that time saying how this song has ministered to them in dark seasons, and I have to agree that these simple words from Anne Steele speak volumes.

For me, this song will always remind me of my introduction to the world of deep, rich, uplifting hymns while I was in college. So, in honor of that I've put together this recording from that time along with the original slides we used in chapel. I hope it ministers to you as it has to me.


Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul
written by Anne Steele, music by Kevin Twit, performed by David Harris

Dear refuge of my weary soul,
On Thee, when sorrows rise
On Thee, when waves of trouble roll,
My fainting hope relies
To Thee I tell each rising grief,
For Thou alone canst heal
Thy Word can bring a sweet relief
For every pain I feel.

But oh! When gloomy doubts prevail,
I fear to call Thee mine,
The springs of comfort seems to fail,
And all my hopes decline
Yet gracious God, where shall I flee?
Thou art my only trust
And still my soul would cleave to Thee
Though prostrate in the dust

Hast Thou not bid me seek Thy face
And shall I seek in vain?
And can the ear of sovereign grace
Be deaf when I complain?
No, still the ear of sovereign grace
Attends the mourner's prayer
Oh may I ever find access
To breath my sorrows there

Thy mercy seat is open still
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will,
And wait beneath Thy feet.

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