Day by Day

“Day by Day” was written by Swedish hymn writer Lina Sandell following a season of personal sorrow. Known for her deep spiritual insight and poetic grace, Sandell penned this hymn as a quiet expression of trust in God’s daily provision and sustaining grace. The words echo the truths found in Deuteronomy 33:25, where the Lord promises that His strength will match each day’s trials. This assurance is gently woven throughout the hymn.

The first verse opens with a simple declaration of faith, “Day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here.” Each stanza affirms God’s faithfulness in providing help and comfort no matter the burden or fear. Sandell’s own life was touched by tragedy—most notably the sudden drowning of her father in her presence when she was just 26 years old. Her grief turned into a deeper reliance on the Lord, and this hymn reflects that journey of spiritual dependence.

Oscar Ahnfelt, a fellow Swede and traveling evangelist, set her words to music. His melodies were widely loved and helped spread Sandell’s hymns throughout Scandinavia. The tune gently supports the text with its calming, meditative quality, perfectly matching the theme of daily trust.

Translated into English by Andrew L. Skoog, the hymn gained popularity in American hymnals and has comforted countless Christians around the world. “Day by Day” continues to be sung in both church services and private devotion, especially when believers are walking through uncertain seasons.

With its tender assurance that God measures each day’s burdens and supplies strength accordingly, “Day by Day” remains a timeless declaration of quiet confidence in the loving care of a sovereign God.