He Hideth My Soul

Jonathan Anderson • July 16, 2025

“He Hideth My Soul” is a hymn that wraps the believer in peace. It’s a song of safety — not because life is easy, but because God is faithful. It reminds us that no matter the storm, no matter the burden, there is a quiet place of refuge in Christ. A place where grace flows freely, and where fear gives way to rest.

The Story Behind the Hymn

The lyrics were written by Fanny J. Crosby in 1890, one of her later hymns after decades of writing songs that shaped Christian worship. Though she was blind for most of her life, Crosby wrote about spiritual vision — about seeing God’s hand even when life is unclear.

This hymn was set to music by William J. Kirkpatrick, a composer and music leader who frequently partnered with Crosby. Together, they created a melody that flows gently and confidently, matching the hymn’s message of assurance.


What Makes It Powerful

The strength of this hymn is in its calm certainty. It doesn’t cry out in desperation — it sings from a place of quiet confidence. The title comes from Exodus 33:22, when God tells Moses, “I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand.” That’s the image: God Himself sheltering us.

A verse that reflects the heart of this hymn is Psalm 32:7 (NIV):


You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

This hymn reminds us that in Christ, we are not exposed — we are covered. Hidden in Him. Kept by His love.


My Violin Cover

When I arranged “He Hideth My Soul” for violin, I leaned into the hymn’s gentle flow. The melody rises and falls like a calm breath, and I tried to reflect that steady rhythm throughout. It’s not a song to be rushed — it’s one to be felt, slowly and fully.

With Violin Hymns, my goal is always to reflect the spirit of the words. This one called for peace — not silence, but security. A quiet joy in being held.



Listen and Reflect

The video is below. As you listen, picture the hand of God over you — not just in the big storms, but in every ordinary moment. Let this hymn remind you that you are not forgotten or exposed. He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock that shadows a dry, thirsty land.

Lyrics


A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,

A wonderful Savior to me;

He's hiding my soul in the cleft of the rock,

Where rivers of pleasure I see.


He's hiding my soul in the cleft of the rock

That shadows a dry, thirsty land;

He's hiding my life in the depths of his love

And cov'ring me there with his hand,

And cov'ring me there with his hand.


A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord;

He carries my burdens away,

He's holding me up, and I shall not be moved;

He's giving me strength day by day.


With numberless blessings each moment he crowns

And fills with his fullness divine;

I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God

For such a Redeemer is mine. 


When clothed in his brightness, transported I rise

To meet him in clouds of the sky,

His perfect salvation, his wonderful love,

I'll shout with the millions on high. 

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