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"Guide Me (O, Thou Great Jehovah) / Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Ezra Worship Initiative – Ancient Wisdom, Fresh Waves


I'm sitting in traffic, Spotify on shuffle, listening to my collection of new releases. That's when the song "Guide Me (O, Thou Great Jehovah) / Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Ezra Worship Initiative starts to play. The song starts with a revamp of a 280-year-old hymn "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah", and then beautifully transitions to the chorus of Hillsong's "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)". This medley made my heart do a little cartwheel! 

Ezra Worship Initiative - Guide Me (O, Thou Great Jehovah) / Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)The hymn "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" (originally "Arglwydd, arwain trwy'r anialwch" in Welsh) by William Williams (a Welsh Methodist preacher) was inspired by the biblical story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. Williams wrote this in 1745 as a plea to God for guidance while traveling through life's wilderness. A 280-year-old plea that is still very relevant for us today. 

"I am weak, but Thou art mighty // hold me with thy powerful hand," a thought that lingers in my mind until the song reaches the line, "bid my anxious fears goodbye." Then the song naturally transitions to the chorus in Oceans, "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders," as if this chorus has been part of the hymn all these years. 

This is such a beautiful reminder that every generation has the same gut-level need, a God who is bigger than the sum of all our fears. "Bread of Heaven, feed me now // … // be Thou still my strength and shield // … // Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders // Let me walk upon the waters // Wherever You would call me // Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander // And my faith will be made stronger // In the presence of my Savior." What a beautiful prayer! No filter, no apology, just raw dependence on God. 

May this song change your heart whenever the day feels too wide, and may the old lyrics comfort you and help you to focus on our ever-faithful God. God will help you to find the courage to step off the shore for a journey of trust through life's unknowns, from wilderness to ocean depths… and He will guide you to land safe on Canaan's side.

(Related scripture: Hebrews 13:20-21; Isaiah 58:11; Matthew 14:29)

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