Scripture References:
st. 2 = Rom. 8:35-39, Heb. 4:14-16
Cantor Johann Lindemann (b. Gotha, Thuringia, Germany, 1549; d. Gotha, 1631) wrote this text to fit the tune IN DIR IST FREUDE. It was published in Lindemann's Amarum Filii Dei Decades Duae (1598). Lindemann attended the gymnasium (high school) in Gotha and then studied at the University of Jena. He returned to Gotha, where he served on the council and became a cantor in several churches (1580-1631). One of the signers of the Lutheran Formula of Concord (1577), Lindemann published Amarum Filii Dei Decades Duae (1598), which included his "In You Is Gladness." Catherine Winkworth (PHH 194) prepared the English translation for the second series of her Lyra Germanica (1858).
The text confesses with joy the Christian's security of walking intimately with God through the ups and downs of daily life. The two long stanzas consist of various short biblical phrases and allusions woven into an integrated pattern of praise and petition, confession and rejoicing. All are punctuated by periodic "alleluias." The words of the text suggest Q&A 1 of the Heidelberg Catechism.
Liturgical Use:
Many occasions of worship in which encouragement and joy in Christ's saving work are appropriate in the face of "sin or death or night"; after Lord's Supper; funerals.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
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