Thursday Hymn Reflection: “Beyond This Land of Parting”

[Note: Each Thursday, we “reflect” on a hymn, usually one suggested by our readers. If you would like to add your favorites to our upcoming list, leave a comment with up to three favorites.]

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Probably more well known for the song “Footsteps of Jesus,” the songwriting duo of Mrs. Mary B.C. Slade and Dr. Asa Everett gave us this great song about heaven. “Beyond This Land of Parting” is usually included in hymnals with three verses, though four were originally written.

The message of “Beyond This Land of Parting” is actually very simple. The hymn contrasts the difficulties and trials of this life with the “bliss” of heaven. It brings to mind Revelation 21:4, which states that God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

It is amazing how often we are connected to this life and can hardly thing of the next life. We enjoy so many good things in this life and God blesses us immensely. However, when this life is compared with heaven, it really is no comparison at all. When we think of the perfect bliss of heaven, it is hard to avoid focusing on how often we struggle, cry, and have troubles in this life.

The description of heaven in Slade and Everett’s work is interesting, as the song calls it the “summer-land of bliss.” The connection is finally made in the final lines, as we are told that “God is it’s light.” In other words, the song is trying to give us some picture of the beauty of heaven by comparing it to the light from the sun on a beautiful summer day. Of course, that still pales in comparison to how wonderful heaven will be!

I am so thankful for the life God has given me, but each time there is a difficulty–no matter how minor–it helps me remember that there is a “land beyond” that truly is “fair and bright,” and that the things of this world are not even to be compared with it.

Here are the lyrics to this great song about heaven:

Beyond this land of parting, losing and leaving,
Far beyond the losses, darkening this,
And far beyond the taking and the bereaving
Lies the summer land of bliss.

Beyond this land of toiling, sowing and reaping,
Far beyond the shadows, darkening this,
And far beyond the sighing, moaning and weeping,
Lies the summer land of bliss.

Beyond this land of sinning, fainting and failing,
Far beyond the doubtings, darkening this,
And far beyond the griefs and dangers befalling,
Lies the summer land of bliss.

Beyond this land of waiting, seeking and sighing,
Far beyond the sorrows, darkening this,
And far beyond the pain and sickness and dying
Lies the summer land of bliss.

Land beyond, so fair and bright!
Land beyond, where is no night!
Summer land, God is its Light.
O happy summer land of bliss.

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As you reflect on this song in the comments, enjoy this recording of the song.