The Guiding Hand

Through each perplexing care and strife,
That marks the checkered path of life,
My Savior’s guiding hand I see,
And know that still He leadeth me.

Refrain

He leadeth me, he leadeth me,
Let this my theme of rapture be!
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
My Savior’s guiding hand I see.

Though trials great before me rise,
Though clouds of sorrow veil my skies,
Unmoved the coming storm I see,
For God my Savior leadeth me.

Refrain

He leadeth me, O joy divine!
The glory His, the cross be mine,
Since He who suffered on the tree
In tender mercy leadeth me.

Refrain

With Him, my soul’s eternal Guide,
What can I wish or want beside?
In life or death my song shall be,
My loving Savior leadeth me.

Refrain

Author: Joseph H. Gilmore

Year: 1862

The lyrics are a close variant or paraphrase of the very popular hymn "He Leadeth Me" (original first line: "He leadeth me! O blessed thought!"). Joseph H. Gilmore wrote the text in 1862; it was later set to music by William B. Bradbury. The "Guiding Hand" title and slight rewording of verses appear in some later hymnals or arrangements, but the core authorship remains Gilmore.