I dedicate this hymn to my grandmother, Jean Phenicie. I’m looking forward to our next visit, when we can sing it together while she plays her baby grand.
During an Easter celebration, at a church in northern Japan, my friend Miyo secretly put my name in for the “talent show” to sing this song. She apparently had saved a scrawled copy of the lyrics I had shown her over coffee. She made a photo copy of the lyrics, and grabbed our mutual friend Karen. We had a five minute rehearsal in the foyer (which was quite chilly, being as there is still snow there in the early spring), and then the three of us sang in front of about 100 people.
The lyrics are based on Psalm 139.
Where can I go from Your Spirit, Lord
Where can I flee from Your face?
Darkness and light are alike to You.
You’re acquainted with all my ways
Even the dark is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day
Try me and know all my anxious thoughts;
And Le-ad me in the everlasting way.
Your eyes they saw me before my birth
I am fearf’lly and wond’rflly made
Wonderful are all Your mighty works,
All my days for me you ordained
How precious are Your thoughts to me
they outnumber the grains of sand
You understand my thoughts from afar
You hold me up with your right hand