This hymn has been a powerful influence for me in applying the sovereignty of God. I have read the story behind its writing.  It is said to be the favorite hymn of King Frederick William III of Prussia and was used by Johann Sebastian Bach in several different cantatas. It is in both Catholic and Protestant hymnals. It is one of those hymns that speaks to the truth of God’s will and His love for His saints. Although there is comfort in the words, I see the overwhelming presence of hope in this hymn.

 

Whate’er my God ordains is right His holy will abideth
I will be still whate’er He does and follow where He guideth
He is my God, though dark my road He holds me that I shall not fall
And so to Him I leave it all, and so to Him I leave it all

Whate’er my God ordains is right He never will deceive me
He leads me by the proper path I know He will not leave me
I take, content, what He has sent His hand can turn my griefs away
And patiently I wait His day, and patiently I wait His day

Whate’er my God ordains is right though now this cup in drinking
May bitter seem to my faint heart I take it all, unshrinking
My God is true, each morn anew sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart
And pain and sorrow shall depart and pain and sorrow shall depart

Whate’er my God ordains is right here shall my stand be taken
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine yet I am not forsaken
My Father’s care is round me there He holds me that I shall not fall
And so to Him I leave it all and so to Him I leave it all

I recently saw a YouTube video that was titled Random Acts of Kindness where through several clips from the internet the YouTuber was explaining and displaying people being kind to others (relatives, neighbors, co-workers, strangers, and animals). These were as varied in their setting as they were in their participants.

The first thing that caught my attention was the word random. This word is defined as “Having no specific pattern, purpose, or objective: synonym: chance.” I gather by the use of this word the one posting these clips is suggesting that acts of kindness are not common. Without knowing when the clips were recorded it is difficult to determine the span of time all these clips encompassed. But the idea is that they were “caught on camera” sporadically and not expected or scripted. With that in mind, I started to wonder if this was accurate or is it possible that many if not most people are kind when they see someone in need or distress? None of the clips would reflect the person showing the kindness to be a “hero”. The presentation was more of an “average” person taking time to help someone/something that needs assistance.

Now I know theologically that no one is good except God (Luke 18:19). And I am seasoned enough to know that the news media flourishes on bad and anxiety-driven stories that will drive viewership and revenue. However, I think there is enough evidence that the average person would stop to help another person in need. The world of panhandling and street corner begging depends on the kindness of others. Non-profit organizations depend on people being kind and generous to help their cause. The whole of society is dependent on people being kind enough to be civil and peace/law-abiding. So are acts of kindness really that “random”? Or is it true that there are a lot of these acts that are simply just not “notarized” by a camera?

I think the YouTuber just used that term because it is well known of a cliche and works to get folks to click on the video.