Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One of my favorite hymns is “Be Still My Soul”… published by Katharina A. von Schlegel, in 1752. These words were set to the tune Finlandia, composed by Jean Sibelius in 1899. This hymn was became popular during World War II, as the words offered hope and encouragement to countless soldiers and citizens who were enduring horrific tragedies and hardships. They desperately needed to hear, “Don’t give up!” – and this hymn offered this message and more.
The words of this hymn are just as significant for us today. I don’t know what challenges you face. I don’t know what has caused you to feel discouraged, ashamed, tired and worn down. But I do know that we have a hope in Jesus Christ, Who never gave up! I know that a lot of us need to strip down and “trim the spiritual fat”… to remove the parasitic sins that trouble us day in and out. We need to focus on where we are headed… and Who is with us along the way. We must “keep our eye on the prize”… eternity in Heaven at the feet of Jesus… and a place of honor at the King’s table. We would do well to study the words of this hymn and take them to heart… to internalize them and make them a part of our daily living.
Here are the lyrics to “Be Still My Soul”...may they encourage you today and energize you for your Spiritual journey. May you take heart and truly “be still” as you realize that the LORD is on your side… that we can “bear patiently the cross of grief or pain” because of Jesus and all that He endured on our behalf. My prayer for you today is that you would thoughtfully read these verses and take a few moments to still your soul. In the words of this scripture passage, “we’d better get on with it!” I believe this is a great place to begin… don’t you?
Be Still My Soul
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
From His own fullness all He takes away.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well-pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.
©2013 Debbie Robus
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