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!

View blog reactions