Monday, April 16, 2007

Difficult Times

The last three to four weeks and particularly this last week have been some of the most difficult weeks that I have lived through in my 43 years on the planet . A very close friend( Paul) and my dad have both been very ill .

In those times both these men have been sustained by the prayers prayed by folk who often don't even know them . I would like to thank you if you read this blog and have been praying ,your prayers are being answered daily ...Keep praying ...pray for my dad that he will come to know the Lord through this and pray for Paul that he will continue to make progress and gain strength and return home to his family as soon as he is able ..

One hymn that has been a tremendous comfort to me through all of this is


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 heavenly Friend
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.

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.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening 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 blessèd 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