We'll Understand It Better By and By

HYMN WRITER: Charles Tindley              

MUSIC WRITTEN BY: B.B. McKinney                      

HYMN HISTORY: Charles Tindley was born near Berlin, Maryland, in July of 1851, the son of a slave, Albert Tindley, and a freewoman, Hester Miller Tindley. Hester passed away when Charles was only four, and a year later he was separated from his father. When he became old enough to work, he was hired out to work with slaves, although his status as “freeborn” was recognized. Little did the people of Berlin realize that a theological and musical giant was springing up in their midst. Tindley is often called a founding father of American gospel music. In 1902, after finishing his educational ventures and pastoring several churches in Philadelphia, he became pastor of the church where he had served as janitor 25 years earlier. After bearing eight children, his wife Daisy, passed away in 1924, the very day the congregation entered the new sanctuary for the first time.  Initially struggling with her death, he would later explain, “one day I will understand it better by and by”.

BIBLE VERSE:  1 Corinthians 13:12 - For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

HYMN LYRICS:

Trials dark on every hand, and we cannot understand

all the ways of God would lead us to that blessed promised land;

but he guides us with his eye, and we'll follow till we die,

for we'll understand it better by and by.

Refrain

By and by, when the morning comes,

when the saints of God are gathered home,

we'll tell the story how we've overcome,

for we'll understand it better by and by.

Oft our cherished plans have failed, disappointments have prevailed,

And we’ve wandered in the darkness, heavy-hearted and alone

But we’re trusting in the lord, and according to His word,

We will understand it better by and by.

Refrain

Temptations, hidden snares, often take us unawares,

and our hearts are made to bleed, for a thoughtless word or deed;

and we wonder why the test, when we try to do our best,

but we'll understand it better by and by.

Refrain