Thy Love, O God

“Thy Love, O God” is a rich and reverent hymn that draws deeply from the language and theology of Scripture, especially Psalm 36. Albert F. Bayly crafted this text to express the vastness, faithfulness, and sustaining power of God’s love. From its opening lines, the hymn lifts the believer’s eyes upward to contemplate a love that reaches beyond human limits, extending to the heavens and remaining steadfast through all circumstances.

The hymn emphasizes that God’s love is not fragile or temporary, but firm, enduring, and trustworthy. Bayly echoes the biblical assurance that the mercy of the Lord is higher than the skies and His faithfulness stronger than the mountains. This imagery reminds the worshiper that God’s covenant love stands unshaken, even when earthly supports fail. In doing so, the hymn reassures believers that their confidence rests not in changing emotions, but in the unchanging character of God.

A central theme of the hymn is divine protection and provision. God’s love is portrayed as a refuge, a shelter under which His people find safety and nourishment. This reflects the biblical teaching that the Lord is a fountain of life and that in His light we see light. The hymn moves naturally from praise into trust, showing that worship is not only adoration but also reliance upon God’s sustaining grace.

The text also points forward to eternal hope. God’s love is not limited to present comfort but promises future fulfillment, where hunger, thirst, and sorrow are finally removed. This aligns with the biblical vision of redemption and restoration, where God’s people dwell securely in His presence forever.

“Thy Love, O God” remains a treasured hymn because of its strong scriptural foundation, its poetic clarity, and its deep theological comfort. It invites believers to rest in the immeasurable love of God, to trust His faithfulness in every season of life, and to worship Him with hearts anchored in eternal hope.