The Touch of His Hand On Mine

By Jessie Brown Pounds

Lyrics

1. There are days so dark that I seek in vain
For the face of my Friend divine;
But tho' darkness hide, He is there to guide
By the touch of His hand on mine.

Chorus:
Oh, the touch of His hand on mine,
Oh, the touch of His hand on mine!
There is grace and pow’r, in the trying hour,
In the touch of His hand on mine.

2. There are times, when tired of the toilsome road,
That for ways of the world I pine;
But He draws me back to the upward track
By the touch of His hand on mine.

3. When the way is dim, and I cannot see
Thro' the mist of His wise design,
How my glad heart yearns and my faith returns
By the touch of His hand on mine.

4. In the last sad hour, as I stand alone
Where the powers of death combine,
While the dark waves roll He will guide my soul
By the touch of His hand on mine.

Bible Reference

Isaiah 41:13

About This Hymn

"The Touch of His Hand on Mine" is a deeply comforting hymn by Jessie Brown Pounds, a prolific American hymn writer and poet known for her ability to communicate biblical truth with simplicity and warmth. Written in 1910, this hymn captures the believer’s assurance of Christ’s presence and guidance through life’s difficulties. Pounds, who authored over 400 hymns, had a gift for portraying the nearness of Jesus in tender, relatable ways, and this piece reflects her focus on personal faith and trust in God’s sustaining grace. Drawing inspiration from Isaiah 41:13, it reminds believers that Christ walks with them through every trial, holding their hand as a symbol of divine protection and love.

Pounds’ writing was often shaped by her own experiences of illness and suffering, which gave her hymns a tone of quiet trust and deep emotional resonance. "The Touch of His Hand on Mine" resonates especially with those who have faced hardship, encouraging them to find strength in the Savior’s presence. The hymn reflects themes of comfort, guidance, and spiritual intimacy, portraying Jesus not as a distant Lord, but as a close and loving friend. This emphasis on a personal relationship with Christ helped make the hymn widely loved in church services and revival meetings during the early 20th century.

The hymn was paired with a gentle melody that matches its reflective message, making it suitable for both personal meditation and congregational worship. Jessie Brown Pounds’ contribution to gospel hymnody remains significant because of her skill in weaving together scriptural truth and heartfelt devotion. "The Touch of His Hand on Mine" continues to remind believers that no matter the darkness or storm, Christ’s presence offers unwavering support and peace. This hymn stands as a testimony to God’s promise never to leave His children, providing comfort for generations of Christians seeking assurance of His guiding hand.