Scripture References:
st. 1 = Ps. 33:1-3
st. 2 = Ps. 33:13-15
st. 3 = Ps. 33:18-20
A paraphrase of a number of verses in Psalm 33 (1-3, 13-15, and 18-20), this text was originally published in the 1912 Psalter. Marie J. Post (PHH 5) revised parts of that text for the 1959 Psalter Hymnal, a revision that was further altered for the 1987 edition. (See PHH 33 for a setting of the complete psalm and for additional general comments.)
The text testifies with joy that God's people are safe and secure in his hands and under his rule. Stanza 1 calls us to praise, stanza 2 confesses God's omniscience, and stanza 3 confesses God's providence.
Liturgical Use:
See PHH 33 for many uses; however, these stanzas do focus more specifically on God's intimate knowledge of our lives and on his guidance and protection.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook