You help make Hymnary.org possible.

In 2025, more than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources, and encouragement here. If Hymnary has meant something to you this year, would you take a moment to help sustain it? A gift of any size — and a note of encouragement, if you'd like to share one — directly supports the server costs, research, and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org (c/o Calvin University)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for being part of this important online ministry resource.

I Could Not Understand

Representative Text

1 I could not understand
The trials on life’s road;
I thought the way was smooth
which led me up to God.

2 I used to feel distrest
At tempests I could see,
And wondered why the Lord
Should let them blow on me.

3 I sang my song of joy
When ev’rything was bright,
but no one heard my song
When day was turned to night.

4 Now everything is changed—
In all my Lord I see;
So I can sweetly rest
In what He plans for me.

5 Now I can sing my song,
Whatever ill betide;
My work is but to trust
His—just to keep and guide.


Source: Hymns of Consecration and Faith #319

Author: Ada A. Whiddington

Ada Anne Fitzgerald Whiddington Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: I could not understand
Title: I Could Not Understand
Author: Ada A. Whiddington
Language: English
Publication Date: 1902
Copyright: This text is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before 1931.

Instances in all hymnals

Instances (1 - 1 of 1)
TextAudioPage Scan

Hymns of Consecration and Faith #319

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.