- photo by Susan PageI have always loved the word grace. It sounds so, well … graceful.

It reminds me of the pure white swans that I love to photograph. The word is elegant, as is the swan.

Grace, God’s grace, freely bestowed, amazing grace. How sweet does that sound? We all know the hymn so well, but there is another old hymn that has always soothed my soul.

He Giveth More Grace was written by American poet, Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932). The history behind this hymn brings the meaning of the words even more clearly into focus.

Annie had lost her parents before she reached the tender age of six. She was adopted by a childless couple and as she entered her teen years, she was afflicted with arthritis that was so debilitating that she lost her ability to walk. She had aspired to be a composer and concert pianist, but the illness deprived her of the ability to play so she wrote poetry on a typewriter using her knuckles when she was no longer able to open her hands. She based this hymn on three Bible verses; "He giveth more grace" James 4:6; "He increases strength" Isaiah 40:29; and "Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied" Jude 2.

In these dark and turbulent days, we need to lean in and ask, seek and long for more of God’s grace. The chorus of this beautiful hymn voices the truth that God willingly supplies all the grace we need for each moment and each situation we find ourselves.

His love has no limit, His grace has no measure
His power has no boundary known unto men
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

We need grace, Lord Jesus. Help us trust that Your grace is enough. Grace to be kind. Grace to be long-suffering. Grace to forgive. Grace to give when it hurts. Grace to go the extra mile. Grace to love the least, the lonely and the lost. Grace to appreciate those we disagree with. Grace to admit when we are wrong. Grace to let go of the trivial for the cause of the Gospel. Grace to choose the better, which is love.

Your Grace purchased our salvation so that we can enjoy life in all its fullness. Your Grace was there when You hung on that tree. Your grace is still available … amazing, all-encompassing grace. Grace now and grace everlasting. Grace to believe in the truth of eternity. Eternity with Jesus, the author of all grace.

Lord, in Your mercy, lather us in Your abundant grace, that we may be known as Your gracious children.

“Even in the darkness light dawns for the upright” Psalm 112: 4a – because He gives more grace.

May His mercy, peace and love be multiplied in our hearts today, all because of God’s amazing grace.

- Susan Page

 Susan Page is friend of Pastor Tim and Susan's. For many years she has written devotionals for the National Prayer Guide of the Associated Gospel Churches of Canada where she serves as their Church Relations Coordinator / Health Benefits Manager.