This week’s Pastor’s Heart was really written 147 years ago. What do I mean? Well, it’s my favorite hymn, written back in 1873; I’ve meditated on it all week, and what a blessing it’s been:
“When peace like a river attendeth my way; When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control;
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin – O the bliss of this glorious thought; My sin, not in part, but the whole;
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul.
And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight; The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend; Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul. It is well, it is well with my soul.”
What’s your favorite hymn? Don’t sing it today; too often all we do is sing the hymns without thinking. Read it, preferably out loud, and contemplate its message. Then, share your blessing with someone! Doesn’t the scripture say, “speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs”?