All safe and blessed we shall meet at last
I've been thinking a lot about life and how hard it can be sometimes. This isn't my way of throwing a pity party. Mostly I'm thinking of all my friends back home who are dealing with an intense tragedy right now. My heart goes out to all of you. But as I contemplate life and all of its twists and turns, two hymns come to mind. I've decided to post the lyrics for a couple reasons. First of all, I think the messages contained therein are very beautiful and therapeutic. Secondly, I've actually had the privilege of singing both of these songs in the past few weeks, first with my ward choir and then tonight I performed in a quartet with Arthur, Mason, and Elise at our ward fireside. I hope each of you can find as much peace and solace in these lyrics as I do.
"Be Still My Soul"
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
With patience bear thy 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: 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 blessed we shall meet at last.
"Where Can I Turn for Peace?"
Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace when other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart, searching my soul?
Where, when my aching grows,
Where when I languish,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand? He, only One.
He answers privately, reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching,
Constant He is and kind, Love without end.
"Be Still My Soul"
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
With patience bear thy 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: 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 blessed we shall meet at last.
"Where Can I Turn for Peace?"
Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace when other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart, searching my soul?
Where, when my aching grows,
Where when I languish,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand? He, only One.
He answers privately, reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching,
Constant He is and kind, Love without end.