Crisis comes. The “fight” begins. The battle is greatest against thoughts of fear and uncertainty. “The Lord is on thy side,” the old hymn reminds. But these words feel far removed at this time.
“Be Still My soul.” The words learned during past trial, now echo from deep below. “Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side. Bear patiently, the cross of grief or pain.”
“Patiently.” That word. Who would ever choose that word?
Bear in l-o-n-g – s-u-f-f-e-r-i-n-g are my thoughts’ reasoning. And, like a thread of continuation, “Love suffers long and is kind” pops in head.
“1 Corinthians 13 is impossible with man!” is my next exclamation. “I need a Savior.” is my heart’s cry.
Sorrow and fatigue leave me by a “Slough of Despond,” Just as in the old classic I have read. But, the Hymn of faith fights to bring truth to my lips, “Leave to Thy God, to order and provide. In every change, He faithful will remain. Be still my soul.”
The battle rages against doubt and more doubt: “I can’t do this.” “God’s plan is not for good.”
“Why did He allow this?” My heart fails, only to remind me of a verse hidden there:
“My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26.
Remembrance is as if picking up a sword, and doubt flees. “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73: 25, 26 reminded me what I forgot.
Forever. That includes today.
But God is …
“Be still my soul, thy best, thy heavenly friend, through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.”
So, I take up a hymn and a Psalm for strength. I breath the words that my heart and mind have learned and I speak aloud that my whole being hears the sound:
“Be still my soul. Thy God doth undertake. To guide thy future, as He has the past. Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake,
in every change, he faithful will remain. Be still my soul. The waves and wind still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.”
Faith restored, I open up God’s word. Psalm 73 speaks so personal to me: “Truly God is good to Israel. To such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped…”
“Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. NeverthelessI am continually with You;”
“You hold me by my right hand.”
“You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.”
“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail;”
“But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:1,2,21-26.
My “forever” begins this minute, right now. Let us fight this battle with faith.
Join me? Let’s get up and get going in His strength. The Lord is on our side!
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