Background Notes:

This hymn was written to connect a number of texts that describe God’s covenant with God’s people (e.g.,  Genesis 9:13, covenant signified by a bow in the sky; Genesis 17, covenant with Sarah and Abraham; Jeremiah 31:33, covenant that is written upon our hearts). The hymn, further, emphasizes that it is this covenant with God that is the very basis for our well-being.  Although these concepts are probably not controversial among Christians, the hymn goes on to describe the struggle we have in remembering the covenant, believing and feeling it to be true, during all phases of life (verse 2).  In the last two verses, we are reminded of signs of this promise, both those that we see in modern-day examples as well as those we can recall from our Christian heritage. The hymn also functions well on the organ, especially if transposed a few steps up to the key of G major. (available upon request!)