Whate'er My God Ordains is Right

I grew up in churches that mostly sang hymns, but I did not hear this hymn until recently. It is not found in most Baptist hymnals, but I wish it were! The lyrics, written originally in German by Samuel Rodigast in 1675, paint a beautiful picture of trusting in God's sovereign goodness, especially in trying times. Catherine Winkworth, a well known translator of German hymns, penned the English words. Each verse begins with the title line "Whate'er my God ordains is right." That alone is a profound statement about the goodness of God in everything he does. This line points to Genesis 18:25b which says "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right" (KJV). The lyrics speak of the sovereignty of God in all situations. The song is reminiscent of the more popular song "It is Well with my Soul," by Horatio Spafford, in both theme and tone.

Many churches view the doctrines of predestination and foreordination with much suspicion or even disgust, but the lyrics of this song perfectly incapsulate why these doctrines of God's sovereignty and foreknowledge are beautiful. It truly is beautiful poetry, so I will share all of the lyrics below.

The hymn was most recently revived by Matt Merker and Keith Getty who wrote new music to go with the old lyrics: although the new music is similar to the original in some ways. I personally prefer the newer tune by Merker and Getty, but the original is just as singable. Listen to both, and decide which would fit your congregation better!

1 Whate'er my God ordains is right: his holy will abideth; I will be still, whate'er he doth, and follow where he guideth. He is my God; though dark my road, he holds me that I shall not fall: wherefore to him I leave it all.

2 Whate'er my God ordains is right: he never will deceive me; he leads me by the proper path; I know he will not leave me. I take, content, what he hath sent; his hand can turn my griefs away, and patiently I wait his day.

3 Whate'er my God ordains is right: though now this cup, in drinking, may bitter seem to my faint heart, I take it, all unshrinking. My God is true; each morn anew sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart, and pain and sorrow shall depart.

4 Whate'er my God ordains is right: here shall my stand be taken; though sorrow, need, or death be mine, yet am I not forsaken. My Father's care is round me there; he holds me that I shall not fall: and so to him I leave it all.