July 29, 2005

Have faith in God –
For morning, noon, and night;
Have faith in God –
A never-failing light;
Have faith in God –
And trust His Word aright.
Have faith, dear friend, in God.

Beyond the Sunset

Virgil Prentiss Brock, 1887-1978

    Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12.

    Virgil P. Brock told how he wrote this favorite hymn about Heaven:

    This song was born during a conversation at the dinner table one evening in 1936 after watching a very unusual sunset at Winona Lake, Indiana, with a blind guest, my cousin Horace Burr, and his wife Grace. A large area of the water appeared ablaze with the glory of God, yet there were threatening storm clouds gathering overhead. Our blind guest excitedly remarked that he had never seen a more beautiful sunset.
    "People are always amazed when you talk about seeing," I told him.
    "I can see," Horace replied. "I see through other people's eyes, and I think I often see more; I see beyond the sunset."
    The phrase "beyond the sunset" and the striking inflection of his voice struck me so forcibly, I began singing the first few measures. "That's beautiful!" his wife interrupted. "Please go to the piano and sing it."
    We went to the piano nearby and completed the first verse. Before the evening meal was finished, all four stanzas had been written; and we sang the entire song together.

    Virgil P. Brock's cheerful and lively manner continued to inspire others as he wrote more than 500 gospel songs and led congregations in vibrant singing until the end of his 91 years. His fruitful life reflected a constant, keen awareness of that Land "beyond the sunset".

Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning.
When with our Saviour Heaven's begun.
Earth's toiling ended, O glorious dawning
Beyond the sunset when day is done!

Beyond the sunset, no clouds will gather,
No storms will threaten, no fears annoy.
O day of gladness, O day unending,
Beyond the sunset eternal joy!

Beyond the sunset, a hand will guide me,
To God the Father whom I adore.
His glorious presence, His words of welcome,
Will be my portion on that fair shore!

Beyond the sunset, O glad reunion,
With our dear loved ones who've gone before,
In that fair Homeland we'll know no parting
Beyond the sunset forever more!

Copyright 1936 by The Rodeheaver Co.,
Renewed by Word Music, Inc.

Have Faith in God by H.M.S. Richards, Used by Permission