Saturday, March 12, 2011

TSMSS - Stayed Upon Jehovah

This has been A Week. Back issues. My girl's viola teacher still critically ill and yesterday they put in a trach to manage the ventilator, saying it will be a 40-day process to wean her off of the ventilator, followed by weeks of rehab. (And it all started with the flu!) Taking time to reach out to her mom who is here from out of town and trying to manage the stress of her daughter's illness while trying to ascertain what bills might need to be paid. (PSA: Sign those Powers of Attorney!!) Dealing with my sister's early-onset Alzheimer's and navigating the system to help her apply for disability. Trying not to panic over lapses I see her having when she is convinced she is still "fine." College dorm deposits for my son. Getting myself and two teenage girls ready to leave on a spring break mission trip first thing this morning. And realizing that so many folks are dealing with challenges that make mine look like nothing more than a skinned knee.

How do we keep our sanity when illness and heartache and earthquakes and tsunamis come barreling into our lives? This is a beautiful old hymn that I remember from my childhood that has become sweeter as the years go by. It's not as familiar to many as some of the more frequently sung hymns, which is a shame, for it has such beautiful words. The third verse is especially magnificent. I love this college choir's version (especially their harmony!) and the medley they transition to at the end.



LIKE A RIVER GLORIOUS

Like a river glorious
Is God's perfect peace,
Over all victorious
In its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth
Fuller ev'ry day,
Perfect, yet it groweth
Deeper all the way.

Stayed upon Jehovah,
Hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised,
Perfect peace and rest.


Hidden in the hollow
Of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow,
Never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry,
Not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry
Touch the spirit there.

Ev'ry joy or trial
Falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial
By the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully
All for us to do
They who trust Him wholly
Find Him wholly true.

WORDS: Frances Ridley Havergal, 1876
MUSIC: James Mountain, 1876


Peace, peace, wonderful peace
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!


Thanks to Amy for hosting this meme each week!


Photobucket

11 comments:

  1. Beautiful words, beautiful song.
    I didn't know your sister had early-onset Alzheimer's. Praying for you all, Linda.
    Hugs,
    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  2. Never heard this song. Thank you for sharing with us. Very beautiful. There is so much going on in life here recently. God bless you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What an inspirational post to read at the beginning of my Saturday. Prayers and blessings for your daughter's teacher and your sister. My heart goes out to the families of the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan.

    ReplyDelete
  4. That is a beautiful song. You are one busy lady! Hope all goes well with the mission trip.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I absolutely love this hymn, and that was a beautiful rendition. Praying for you and your girl as you leave for the mission trip, and that you'll have the strength and peace you need for what will be coming with your sister.

    Love,

    Xandra

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beautiful performance and encouraging words to this song.

    Praying for you in your travels and to have a week of blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful! I had never heard this song. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Can't say I have ever heard it before. Beutiful words.
    Have a blessed weekend!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. A beautiful hymn. My, it certainly sounds like you've had your hands full. May you rest in His peace as you take one day and one moment at a time Linda.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is a new song to me.

    I am so sorry for all the health issues, for your sister and your girl's viola teacher.

    May the peace of God be with you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. It saddens me that such hymns as these, so deeply embedded in my heart and mind, are "lost" to many! What comfort! What strength I draw from the truth of these words and the strong, simple tune that carries them!

    I prayed for you with your many challenges AND for your ministry across the border!

    ReplyDelete