If you have seen the movie, A Bridge Too Far, you may recall that almost at the end of the movie, this hymn, Abide with Me by Henry Francis Lyte, was being sung.  The British battalion under Lt. Col. Frost had been defeated by German forces and were regrouping themselves and tending the wounded while waiting to be moved elsewhere.  Softly, the hymn was started and many of the soldiers joined in, giving themselves comfort in the dire circumstances.  The setting is in stark contrast to the idyllic seaside setting in which Lyte had completed the hymn.  However, Lyte had his own battle, that of tuberculosis.  Despite his trial, he was able to write of eternal hope such as the verse that concludes, "Where is death's sting?  Where, grave, thy victory?  I triumph still if Thou abide with me."  Other verses are as powerful.  Have you participated in the hope of which Lyte speaks?  Have you asked Jesus to be your Savior?  Have you asked Him to abide with you?  Do so today and have the hope, peace, and comfort that comes from relationship with the Savior.

Article taken from Living Stories of Famous Hymns by Ernest K. Emurian. Copyright © 1955 by Baker Book House Company. Used by permission of Baker Book House Company.