The words to this hymn were written by Henry J. van Dyke in 1907 and first published in the Presbyterian Hymnal in 1911. He wrote of the hymn:
These verses are simple expressions of common Christian feelings and desires in this present time - hymns of today that may be sung together by people who know the thought
of the age, and are not afraid that any truth of science will destroy religion, or any revolution on earth overthrow the kingdom of heaven. Therefore this is a hymn of trust and joy and hope.
The words were set to the Hymn of Joy from the 9th Symphony of Ludwig von Beethoven and adapted by Edward Hodges in 1824.
