How often do we praise God for the riches of His covenant with us? How often do our praises focus specifically on the covenantal nature our relationship with Him? To the extent we neglect this theme and reality today, perhaps it’s because far too many evangelicals fail to read their Bibles with a covenantal hermeneutic. Hence, a “personal relationship” with God and God’s many blessings in Christ get abstracted from the covenant promises and obligations that always determine God’s dealings with His people. Given that we may only know God through His covenant with, in and through Christ, praising Him for His covenant blessings would seem entirely appropriate.
In that spirit, here’s one from Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879).
COVENANT BLESSING
Jehovah’s covenant shall endure,
All ordered, everlasting, sure!
O child of God, rejoice to trace
Thy portion in its glorious grace.
‘Tis thine, for Christ is given to be
The covenant of God to thee;
In him, God’s golden scroll of light,
The darkest truths are clear and bright.
O sorrowing sinner, well he knew,
Ere time began, what He would do!
Then rest thy hope within the veil;
His covenant mercies shall not fail.
O doubting one, Eternal Three
Are pledged in faithfulness for thee;
Claim every promise sweet and sure,
By covenant oath of God secure.
O feeble one, look up and see
Strong consolation sworn for thee:
Jehovah’s glorious arm is shown
His covenant strength is all thine own.
O mourning one, each stroke of love
A covenant blessing yet shall prove;
His covenant love shall be thy stay;
His covenant grace be as thy day.
O Love that chose, O Love that died,
O Love that sealed and sanctified,
All glory, glory, glory be,
O covenant Triune God, to thee!