Hymn
My Days Like Shadows Fade
Words: Ryan Daniel Cornett
Music: William Tans'ur
Tune: BANGOR
Meter: C.M.
Stanza 1
My days like shadows fade from sight,
A drop in time's great sea;
Help me to labor while the light
Shines sov'reignly from Thee.
Stanza 2
Such futile ways I oft design,
And lean on what I see;
Help me walk not in what is mine,
But trusting, follow Thee.
Stanza 3
Though people's vain yet pleasing praise
Would tempt my heart with glee,
Help me far loftier aims to raise,
And boast alone in Thee.
Stanza 4
With swelling fruit from fertile ground
In barns that bursting be,
Help me, when earthly goods abound,
To treasure naught but Thee.
Stanza 5
Life's borrowed breath so swiftly flies,
A vapor soon to flee;
Help me, before the grave or skies,
To give my all for Thee.
About the song
This hymn is a prayer for wisdom and faithfulness in the fleeting days of earthly life, asking God for grace to resist self-reliance, worldly praise, and the distractions of material wealth. Recognizing the brevity of life and the surpassing worth of knowing God, it calls believers to wholehearted devotion, trusting Him and laboring for His glory while time remains.
Themes
Scripture references
Psalm 90:12; Psalm 144:4; Proverbs 3:5-7; John 9:4; Luke 12:16-21; 1 Corinthians 1:31; Colossians 3:1-2; James 4:14; Romans 12:1