BE STILL, MY SOUL
Sometimes things jump up and grab my heart at unexpected times. So it was yesterday as our bell choir began to play for worship. They played a wonderful arrangement of Be Still, My Soul. As they played, the words of the first stanza of that hymn took hold of me.
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 God faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Suddenly I experienced the message of that song in a way that I had never experienced it before. It seemed to speak directly to my troubled heart and I felt a great peace come upon me in the worship service.
Bearing patiently and leavinig it to God to order and provide is the most difficult part for me. I want to take charge and put things right according to my expectations and desires. I want to force my way ahead rather than let God take the lead. The song spoke to me and I felt able to truly trust God as a friend leading me to a joyful end.
It is amazing how a familiar song can suddenly come alive in my heart. It happened on Sunday and I am grateful.
Dave Gladstone