In Every Change He Faithful Will Remain
I awakened early this morning with this ancient hymn “Be Still My Soul” by Katharina von Schlegel on my heart. And as I heard Jesus singing over me, I responded.
Always remember God delights over you with singing.
Be still my soul
But Lord, my heart is churning, my emotions are all over the place, my mind keeps spinning, playing out recent events and imagined future scenarios…
The Lord is on thy side.
I don’t like even thinking of people being on different “sides” of anything. Especially when we are supposed to want the same things. But, God, I am comforted that You walk by my side and that you want good for me. I’m on Your side, too…
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
To “bear” means that something is a heavy weight, and frankly, there have been many griefs weighing down recently. And though my own “pain” is small compared to the world’s suffering, it does hurt. And I’m not naturally patient. And so I sit in silence asking for Your help.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
“Leave” means let go, right? Entrust You in all things because You are the God of both order and provision. And we need those things. Order. Provision. Right now. I am laying all at Your feet. I am leaving everything in Your worthy hands, knowing You are faithful to fulfill.
In every change He faithful will remain.
There are so many changes in our lives today. But I know this to be true – You have never failed in every unexpected change in my own life. So I know You will remain faithful. Whatever comes or doesn’t come. Tomorrow I have an opportunity to proclaim to others “In every change, He faithful will remain.” Empower me to live it as well.
Be still my soul
Okay. I’m breathing deeply now. I sense a calm descending on me as I wait in this quiet place. For You. My heart and mind are stilled. I am here to receive and be filled. Come, Lord Jesus.
Thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Oh my goodness, You are my Friend. Even and especially when companionship and courage is most needed. I am so very unworthy, but at the same time so very humbled and grateful for Your presence and power by my side. I feel held.
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
I guess that journeying through “thorny ways” means we sometimes get pricked along the path. I knew that when I started this ‘long obedience in the same direction’ more than fifty years ago. A scar here or there means little when the destination is Joy. And You truly are my Joy. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.
My soul is still. I wait before You with open hands. To release. To receive. Amen.
Every Blessing, Lucinda
“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength”
©2022 Lucinda Secrest McDowell www.LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” She has authored 16 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” , “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most,” “God’s Purpose for You,” and “The Courage to Write.” (Purchasing my books here benefits me as an Amazon associate.) She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouraging words weekly at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Oh Lucinda, so beautiful to share this… what’s in our hearts with such a reverent song.
Thank you for starting my day with this in my heart. Thinking of you and sending a ray of hope.
Thank you dear Lisa. Hope and Love sent your way today as well.
That was a beautiful song! It spoke to my soul
God Bless you
My 78 year old sister is in the hospital, I find this song touched me like no one else could. What a blessing.
Ellie, I shall pray for your sister and for you. May you hear God singing over you…
Debbie, I am so glad it spoke to you. I just added this music selection which you may also enjoy.
Thank you! What a blessing-the hymn and your sweet words. Such a good reminder. Be Still. God is in control, just when all we know seems out of control! God bless you this day, Lucinda.
Love this hymn and your words.
thank you, friend.
Sarah
Thank you for these awesome words. My son ran away last night, so these words were needed desperately.
Thanks, Cindy for your words and the beautiful music. They are very uplifting.
Kathy
Here in Scotland, as I mourn my Queen, my heart rejoices that there has been such an emphasis on her faith in Jesus— my soul is indeed ,still as I know we WILL meet ahain
I came to Christ in my 20’s and discovered the richness of hymns in my 30’s. This is my favorite of all time and I have memorized several stanzas so I can sing it to myself when I wake in the night with anxious thoughts. I love that it acknowledges the deep hurts and anguish we encounter here, but gently turns our hearts back to the Prince of Peace and the Comforter. My favorite hymn ever.
Thanks for sharing your fondness of the hymn “Be Still My Soul” — a fav of mine, too. I was moved to learn about its history, and shared that in my blog on Jan. 10, 2020. Here’s the URL, if you think your readers would enjoy checking it out: https://jeannezornes.blogspot.com/2020/01/be-still.html
Every week, your blog lifts me up. Thank you for your transparency and heart for God, dear friend back to the 1980s!
-Jeanne Zornes
Thank you for sharing, Lucinda! A little related is this quote from Warren Wiersbe “Don’t keep a carbon copy of God’s past plan.” Of course that was written a long time ago when we used carbon copies but we get the point. I came across that quote somehow (of course God’s plan) right before I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Somehow it gave me courage that even though my life would be re-focused on something different for awhile, and I was good at depending upon a “carbon copy” (status quo), I can’t know what God wants to do in something new-change. I’m grateful I’m free of cancer now and I’m grateful I’ve learned again in a new way not to grasp my plans too tightly. I’m so glad He is wise, good, and faithful.
So grateful for your ministry and your wise thoughts, Cindy.
This is one of your best posts ever, BFF. At the small writers retreat I just returned from, several of the women - committed believers all - were in tears over situations with their children. I wish I had thought to read your words to them. This should be required reading (and singing!) Praying for you during what will be a physically and emotionally strenuous week for you.