I was greeted by some good friends this morning…friends that I’ve known for most of my life. They had nothing but encouraging words and reminders of God’s promises for me during these days. They didn’t question my actions nor threaten me from good intentions. They loved me and calmed me and replaced any doubts in my spirit with assurance of God’s grace.
Some of these friends are quite old yet, amazingly, still relevant for today. They have remained steadfast and unchanged in their beliefs and just being around them encourages my soul. They constantly give and never take and are available any time of the day or night. Consistent. Dependable.
The friends l refer to are not the flesh and blood kind. They are friends from the pages of history we call HYMNS.
As Katha and I are in Virginia Beach this weekend we chose to visit a Baptist church for Sunday worship. After being welcomed by some friendly people, these special friends ushered us into the presence of God. Thumbing through the hymnal from the rack in front of me, I spent a few moments listening to their words of wisdom.
One reminded me that God is “merciful and mighty – God in three persons, blessed Trinity.” Another reminded me of the “great things He hath done” and another, “all I have needed Thy hand hath provided”. How reassuring to hear the rhetorical question, “Can I doubt His tender mercies who through life has been my Guide.” The truth that, although my “sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
It was a terrific experience in the presence of the Lord… and with good friends. Even in the midst of a sometimes scary transition, I can honestly say, “It is well with my soul.”
byf8h 