Have you ever encountered a time when it seems that you are bombarded. . .physically, emotionally, spiritually? I'm not talking about depression necessarily, or "the blues;" but just circumstances seem exhausting and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. I'm having one of those times right now. . . and it's not a "crisis of belief" period; I KNOW God is there. But the exhaustion doesn't lift; sin and hurt and pain and sorrow are all around; prayer is difficult.
It's at these times that I turn not only to the "hymnbook" of the Psalms, but also to my other hymnbook. These songs offer such comfort, and give me "jump starts" to prayer and to meditation, and remind me continually to ". . .be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks [have a grateful, thankful attitude] in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. . ." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV) This hymn, in particular, has been playing in my head most of the day. . .
Be Still, My Soul (lyrics by Katherina vonSchlegel, 1752)
Be Still, my soul; the Lord is on your side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide.
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be Still, my soul; your best, your heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul; your God does undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
when we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone;
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
When I feel overwhelmed, I can remember that the One who could calm the sea and raise the dead and make the blind see and the deaf hear can handle my present circumstances. He can guide the future just as skillfully as He has guided the past! I can dive into a friend's pain and grief, because in every change God will remain faithful. I can remember. . . this is not the end, this is not forever; and all that is mysterious and incomprehensible now will someday be revealed. Until then, it is enough to know that my God loves me, and "You are good, and what You do is good. . ." (Psalm 119:68)
"Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life." (Psalm 119:49, 50 ESV)
1 comment:
I read a thing on ROH about when we are "dry" so to say that singing praise to God can lift us up to that place we need to be. Not saying that this is the case. But for me I realized how much i needed to go to God in praise not just prayer. I forgot how spiritualy filling sing to God can be. I hope that you find relief from your troubles. And do remember that you are loved not only by God.
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