Thompson was born in East Liverpool, Ohio in 1847. He was
the youngest of seven children born to Josiah and Sarah Jackman Thompson. His
father Josiah served for two terms in the Ohio State Legislature.
Thompson was composing songs by the time he was a teenager,
including “My Home on the Old Ohio” and “Gathering Shells from the Seashore.”
He had the rare gift of being both a lyricist and a composer.
Thompson seemed to always have a goal of being a musician. After
graduating from Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio, he entered the New
England Conservatory of Music in 1873. He attended the Boston Conservatory of
Music and pursued additional musical study in Leipzig, Germany, where J.S. Bach
had served as a church and civic musician in the 18th century.
Thompson married Elizabeth Johnson and had a son, William
Leland Thompson.
Thompson eventually opened the W. L. Thompson Music Company
in East Liverpool, which became “one of the most prominent and successful such
businesses in the United States.” He later founded a music and publishing
company in Chicago.
In 1904, in his 50s, Thompson reflected on his songwriting
and business life of the previous few decades. He’d been exposed to bigger
venues than where he was in East Liverpool, when he put pen to paper and
expressed his bond with Jesus Christ. This is where Thompson was inspired to
articulate his devotion to God.
As a composer, Thompson achieved recognition for his
contributions to patriotic and other secular songs, but his primary interest
was composing sacred songs.
Thompson was a small-town entrepreneur who could have chosen
a bigger stage at one point in his life but instead took a different route to
success.
Hymnologist Kenneth Osbeck describes Thompson’s personal
characteristics: “He was always known as a kind, quiet and unassuming Christian
gentleman, greatly loved and admired by his associates.”
Thompson had a great love for history and continued to serve
the Lord through service and giving to various civic organizations.
He was also aware of the fact that small town people had
very little exposure to good music, so he loaded a piano on a horse-drawn wagon
and went through small Ohio towns giving concerts of his music.
While on tour in Europe, Thompson fell ill and returned
home. He died shortly thereafter on September 20, 1909.
Godsbless.ing: This verse from Isaiah beautifully captures the essence of God’s compassionate and supportive nature. It serves as a comforting reminder that even when we feel depleted and exhausted, God is there to lift us up and provide us with the strength we need to carry on. Just as a loving parent would empower and support their child through difficult times, God does the same for us . . . This phrase emphasizes God’s role as a provider of strength. It acknowledges human frailty and the inevitable weariness that comes from life’s struggles, highlighting that God is the source of renewed energy and perseverance.
Enduringword.com: After explaining all the greatness and glory of God, now Isaiah explains another benefit we can receive from our God – He gives us His great power . . . Notice who God gives power to: the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength . . . God’s strength is reserved for those who know they are weak, and know they have no might.
Scripturesavvy.com: This psalm highlights a very personal aspect of our walk of faith. In this verse, the psalmist expresses joy in God’s love despite the pain he is experiencing. The phrase “I will be glad and rejoice” signifies a determined choice to find happiness in God’s steadfast love, even when life feels heavy. This joy is anchored in the understanding that God sees our struggles and knows the depths of our suffering. His divine awareness offers comfort, knowing we are not alone in our battles.
Godsbless.ing: This verse speaks to the assurance that God is aware of the challenges and difficulties faced by those who strive to live a godly life. It offers comfort and hope to believers, assuring them that they are not alone in their struggles. God is not only aware of their trials but also capable of delivering them from those difficult situations.
Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: That is, the cases referred to show that God is able to deliver His people when tempted and understands the best way in which it should be done. He sees a way to do it when we cannot, though it is often a way which we should not have thought of. He can send an angel to take His tempted people by the hand; He can interpose and destroy the power of the tempter; He can raise up earthly friends; He can deliver His people completely and forever from temptation, by their removal to heaven.
Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: The faithful; those who put their trust in Him; those who do not give up in despondency and despair in time of danger and trouble; those who do not forsake Him even though for a time He seems to forsake them. What God looks for mainly in His people is confidence; faithfulness; trust; fidelity.
Scripturesavvy.com: This beautiful verse serves as a reminder of the boundless love and protection that God offers to those who are faithful to Him. It encourages us to love the Lord wholeheartedly, recognizing that our relationship with Him is built on trust and loyalty. In this passage, the term “faithful people” refers to those who remain steadfast in their love and devotion to God regardless of the circumstances they face. This loyalty does not go unnoticed by the Lord; He takes it upon Himself to preserve and care for those who are true to Him . . . This reminds us that even in our challenging moments, we should draw strength from God through love and loyalty. The beautiful reassurance that God protects His faithful servants should motivate us to remain steadfast in our fidelity to Him. It creates a sense of community among believers, as we can come together to support each other in our love for God. When we encourage one another to draw closer to God, we help build a faithful community that loves and trusts God even amidst adversity.
Studylight.org, Dr. Constable’s Expository Notes: David finally found relief in expressing his frustration to God. He prayed that God would teach him to appreciate the brevity of human life. Evidently David was an old man at this time. His life seemed very short looking back on it. People measured short distances with handbreadths in David’s time. The pursuits of life are relatively insignificant in view of the short time we live.
Godsbless.ing: This verse is a powerful reminder of the brevity and preciousness of life. It encourages us to reflect on the limited time we have on this earth and to use it wisely. “We are called to be mindful of how we spend our time and to prioritize what truly matters by ‘numbering our days’.” This practice can lead us to a heart of wisdom, helping us make thoughtful decisions and live with purpose and intention . . . Think about it – how often do we take our time for granted, mindlessly going through our days without pausing to consider their significance? We can cultivate a deeper appreciation for life and a greater sense of fulfillment by acknowledging the finite nature of our days and seeking wisdom in how we use them. So, let us embrace this teaching and strive to make each day count, cherishing the moments we have and making choices that align with our values and aspirations.
