Rev. Augustus Toplady published this hymn with a collection of others in 1776. According to legend, Rev. Toplady was inspired to write these lyrics when a fierce storm forced him to seek refuge in Burrington Combe gorge in England. A plaque at the gorge commemorates its connection to the famous hymn.
Have you ever stood on a mountain and observed the region from a higher perspective? Have you ever gazed at the horizon from the seashore as the breeze tickled your cheeks? Have you ever watched the sun rise–light emerging into the darkness–bringing the world a new day?
Even if the backstory didn’t really happen, those feelings of awe we experience when admiring God’s creations in nature are reflected by the theme of smallness in the lyrics–“All for sin could not atone; Thou must save & Thou alone.” “Nothing in my hand I bring; simply to the cross I cling; naked, come to Thee for dress; helpless, come to Thee for grace.”
Like a lone man in the middle of a gorge, we are a speck on the universe; God is the Rock of Ages, and we hide ourselves in His mercy, grace, and love.
