The hymn “Day by Day” was written by Carolina Sandell in 1858. Though the song itself expresses a deep peace and trust in God and His sovereign care, the circumstances surrounding its origin were quite different.

Carolina, or Lina, as she was nicknamed, was very close to her father, who was a pastor in Sweden. When she was 26 years old, the two were traveling by ferry across a lake towards Gothenburg. Lina’s father fell overboard after the ship gave a sudden lurch, and ended up drowning before Lina’s very eyes.

In the face of tragedy, Lina might have been compelled to withdraw from or reject the faith of her childhood. However, the death of her father had the exact opposite effect. To cope with the accident. Lina began to write hymns, which soon spread across Sweden. Lina’s hymns were so influential that she even became known as the “Fanny Crosby of Sweden.”

Among these works, Lina penned a hymn called “Day by Day, and With Each Passing Moment.” The simple words were an expression of her loyalty and love to God, and her trust in His unfailing mercy towards her. Lina knew that, no matter what happened, God was in control.

As we hear this story and read the accompanying song, may they remind us to always trust God, even in times of hardships. Like Lina, we can rest in His care, knowing that He has a plan for us.

You can read the lyrics to “Day by Day” below, and you can click here to listen to the tune.

Day by Day

Verse 1:

Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.

He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what he deems best–
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Verse 2:

Ev’ry day the Lord himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares he gladly bears and cheers me,
He whose name is Counselor and Pow’r.

The protection of his child and treasure
Is a charge that on himself he laid:
“As your days, your strength shall be in measure”–
This the pledge to me he made.

Verse 3:

Help me then in ev’ry tribulation
So to trust your promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within your holy Word.

Help me, Lord, when, toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.

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