HYMN #0740 SSS #740 • SS&S Meter: L.M. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #740: Not now, but in the coming years—

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

Not now, but in the coming years—
It may be in the better land—
We’ll read the meaning of our tears,
And there, some time, we’ll understand.
Then trust in God through all thy days;
Fear not! for He doth hold thy hand; . .
Though dark thy way, still sing and praise;
Some time, some time we’ll understand.

We’ll catch the broken threads again,
And finish what we here began;
Heaven will the mysteries explain,
And then, ah then, we’ll understand.

We’ll know why clouds instead of sun
Were over many a cherished plan;
Why song has ceased when scarce begun;
Tis there,- some time, we’ll understand.

Why, what we long for most of all,
Eludes so oft our eager hand;
Why hopes are crushed, and castles fall,
Up there, some time, we’ll understand.

God knows the way, He holds the key,
He guides us with unerring hand;
Some time with tearless eyes we’ll see;
Yes, there, up there, we’ll understand.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Not now, but in the coming years—"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #740 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 5 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: L.M.
Stanza Structure: 5 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

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