Hymn Highlight: Whate’er My God Ordains is Right

Samuel Rodigast (1649-1708) was not a prolific hymn-writer. In fact, only one of his two hymns survives in English: Whate’er My God Ordains is Right. This hymn, though not well- known, has in view one’s striking acceptance of God’s sovereignty over all situations.

Each stanza begins with the titular line: “Whate’er my God ordains is right.” This simple line orients the singer to God’s ordination of all things. God is King, and we are partakers in his Kingdom. Our position is of the created, not Creator.

The first stanza contains a hard truth: Even if our road is dark and our journey is hard, God’s “holy will abideth.” We will face trials and tribulations in life, but God will hold us that we “shall not fall.” Thus, he is deserving of our submission and even our joy. Whatever he ordains that we should go through, it is right and good.

The second stanza reminds us that God will never deceive or leave us. His good presence in our lives turns griefs away, and we, then, patiently wait his return.

The third verse reminds us that suffering is real. We will drink bitter cups and our hearts will become faint. However, we can receive the bitter cup of grief or trial with an unshrinking resolve. How? Our “God is true,” and each morning he fills our hearts “with sweet comfort.” Every day, without fail, God pours out the riches of his kindness and grace upon his children. Armed with that knowledge, pain and sorrow shall depart.

The triumphant final verse is so beautiful that I won’t comment, but simply leave you with the text:

“Whate’er my God ordains is right; here shall my stand be taken;
though sorrow, need, or death be mine, yet I am not forsaken.

Whate’er My God Ordains is Right

My Father’s care is round me there; he holds me that I shall not fall: and so to him I leave it all.”

Christian, come what may, even in death, we can be resolute knowing that our Father’s care is around us for eternity.