God’s Gracious Love

Swedish hymn writer Lina Sandell-Berg had several experiences that might have made her wonder how she could continue moving forward. As a child, she battled a serious, prolonged illness. Then at age 25, she witnessed her beloved father being swept overboard at sea. Yet throughout her life, she expressed her faith in God’s goodness by writing more than 600 hymns.

The idea for “God’s Gracious Love” began when Sandell-Berg read a short story about a clock’s pendulum that found courage for its endless task by focusing on just one tick at a time. This story inspired Sandell-Berg to write a poem that became the text for this hymn. It was her personal testament that we can endure uncertainty and fear by focusing on what is immediately before us and trusting in God’s love one day at a time.

1. Day by day, God’s gracious love surrounds me 

As a balm to soothe my troubled heart. 

Countless cares and worries that confound me 

Fade away or quietly depart, 

For His heart is kind beyond all measure, 

And He comforts us as He knows best. 

Ev’ry day, with all its pain and pleasure, 

Mingles tears with peace and rest.

2. Day by day, the Lord is ever near me, 

Granting loving mercies for each hour, 

And my care He gladly bears, and cheers me 

With His counsel pure and holy pow’r. 

I’ll not fear for what may come tomorrow, 

Though the path ahead I cannot see. 

He assures that in all joy or sorrow, 

“As thy days, thy strength shall be.”

3. Help me rest in quiet consolation. 

Help me trust Thy promises, O Lord. 

When I’m faced with daily tribulation, 

Help me find the strength to live Thy word. 

Then, dear Lord, when toil and trouble find me, 

Hold me steadfast in Thy pow’rful hand. 

Day by day, Thy strength will bear me kindly 

Till I reach the promised land.

God’s Gracious Love