“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life."

(Psalm 23:6)

Every year, between December 31st and January 1st, as midnight approaches, our entire family gathers at the church for a special midnight service, marking the transition from the old year to the new. It's a time of deep gratitude for seeing us through the past year and of earnest prayer for His guidance in the year ahead. The first moments of the new year are dedicated to God, accompanied by the resounding hymn, "All the Way My Savior Leads Me." Despite the late hour and weariness, we recognize that this moment signifies the beginning of the year with a fresh perspective and a renewed commitment to live in God's blessings.

Frances Jane van Alstyne, known as Fanny Jane Crosby, lost her sight at the age of six due to incorrect medical treatment. Just a year later, her father passed away. In the fall of 1874, Fanny found herself unable to pay the rent. In earnest prayer, she asked God to provide, and shortly after, a stranger appeared at her door with the exact amount needed to cover the rent. Overwhelmed by this act of divine provision, Fanny penned the poem "All the Way My Savior Leads Me," which was later set to music by Dr. Robert Lowry.

Reflecting on my 64 years of life, I can echo Crosby's sentiment, "All the way my Savior leads me." Through moments of joy and excruciating pain, despair, and ecstatic happiness, I've experienced the hand of God guiding me. Like Samuel, I can declare, "Thus far the Lord has helped us." And though I cannot predict what the future holds, I take comfort in the words of Moses to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous... for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Just as Crosby professed, "Jesus led me all the way," I too believe that His guidance will continue throughout my life.

Pastor Seok-Hwan

REFLECTION AND PRAYER:

All the Way My Savior Leads Me

All the way my Savior leads me–

What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy,

Who through life has been my guide?

Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,

Here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know, whate’er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well;

For I know, whate’er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me–

Cheers each winding path I tread,

Gives me grace for ev’ry trial,

Feeds me with the living bread.

Though my weary steps may falter

And my soul athirst may be,

Gushing from the rock before me,

Lo! a spring of joy I see;

Gushing from the rock before me,

Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me–

Oh, the fullness of His love!

Perfect rest to me is promised

In my Father’s house above.

When my spirit, clothed immortal,

Wings its flight to realms of day,

This my song through endless ages:

Jesus led me all the way;

This my song through endless ages:

Jesus led me all the way

Words: Fanny J. Crosby, 1875

Music: Robert Lowry, 1875