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GOD HOLDS THE KEY OF ALL UNKNOWN

Joseph Parker was born in 1830, the son of a stonemason. He
acquired a minimal education but as time passed he added to it.
One day in 1848 he made his way to a meeting on the village
green in Wells, he suddenly felt he should preach. And he did! But
on a text we might think was a very strange one to choose: “It
shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgement
than for you.” However, following this experience he felt within
himself a powerful call to be a preacher. And so in 1852, (after
seeking advice and help) he began his preaching career at
Whitefield’s Tabernacle in London on Easter Sunday. What could
be more exciting for a young man of 22!

After several pastorates he was called to The City Temple now
located in Holborn Viaduct. It’s a lovely big church and is part of
the Thames North Synod of the United Reformed Church. His
preaching attracted thousands of people.

He also wrote several hymns, but the most famous is “God holds
the key of all unknown” and I think it is appropriate for the
beginning of the New Year.

God holds the key of all unknown,
and I am glad:
if other hands should hold the key,
or if He trusted it to me,
I might be sad, I might be sad.

What if tomorrow’s cares were here
without its rest?
I’d rather He unlocked the day,
and, as the hours swing open, say,
‘My will is best, My will is best.’

The very dimness of my sight
makes me secure;
for, groping in my misty way,
I feel His hand; I hear Him say,
‘My help is sure, My help is sure.’

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