Songs, Old and New

Read Psalm 98:1-9 to go along with this.

Songs, Old and New

                When we’ve had a lot of rain or melting snow, I call the creek outside my window my “River Glorious.” It reminds me of God’s goodness and abundance. Just looking at the water tumbling over the rocks in full abandonment to the current makes me happy.

            I wish I could live more like that.

            I know God is in control of my life. He is both all-powerful and all good, so I know that whatever He sends is for my benefit. But I have such a hard time just relaxing and trusting. I want to rail against all I don’t like and let myself get discouraged about what I can’t change.

            I’m trying to learn to be “stayed upon Jehovah.” Singing the song helps.

Like a river glorious is God's perfect peace,
Over all victorious, in its bright increase,
Perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.

Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand,
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.

Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love,
We may trust Him fully all for us to do,
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.

                                                ~Frances R. Havergal

            The words help me remember God is victorious and perfect. That just like my creek, He flows through me fully, and He helps me grow deeper. I’m hidden in His hand. Foes, traitors, worry, care, or hurry have no place in my life. And above all, every enjoyable and each unpleasant occurrence is completely known and ruled by God, designed to remake me in His image.

            Although it’s an old song, it’s new to my heart when I need it. I hope everyone has songs – and creeks – like this to speak God’s Truth to them. I’m so thankful God shares His creativity with His saints and in His physical world.