I've often wondered how people without Jesus make it through life.
I especially wonder how they make it through trials.
I know they won't make it through death into eternal life.
Friday, the day after my brother's cardiac arrest,
I skipped lunch at my writer's conference to go visit him.
I stopped at the information desk to find out his room number,
and was thrilled to discover that a serious young Christian I know
was working.
His trainee walked me to the Critical Care room,
and as I shared my story of the Lord's presence through Lee's trial,
she confided she was also a believer.
She rejoiced in our miracle and promised to pray.
The second time I went to visit Lee that day,
I had another blessing.
Our hospital has well-researched what is soothing
to suffering patients and troubled visitors.
The sights, sounds, smells, lighting, decorations and staff
all minister to mind, body and soul.
I stopped to listen to this gentleman playing beautiful music.
The familiar melody washed over my body and soul.
I leaned over the railing and let the tears flow.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Refrain
My sin, oh, 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!
Refrain
And Lord, haste the day when my 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.
Refrain
It wasn't rock music,
it wasn't hip-hop,
it wasn't country,
it wasn't rap,
it wasn't pop,
chosen to soothe souls.
The gentleman was playing hymns.
He reminded me that despite another trying circumstance,
It Is Well With My Soul.
Is it well with your soul?
That hymn has brought tears of comfort many times over the past three years. Glad it was there for you:-)
ReplyDeleteGod knows just what we need at just the right time. What a wonderful surprise to enjoy - first a medical worker who Believes and then a pianist who Lord willing also knows the joy of being well with the Lord.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wise young woman you are. I pray your Brother continues to improve.
ReplyDeleteIsn't the Lord gracious and good? Our hospital doesn't have a pianist or a piano, but on Sunday mornings the Salvation Army brass band play the old well-loved hymns in the carpark. Those tunes coming in through the window of the ward I was in last time brought all the words to mind, and were such an encouragement.
ReplyDelete...though sorrows like sea billows roll.
ReplyDelete