02/25/2021
Thoughts written by Pastor Kathie Whitson for Bell Ringer Newsletter of Center Presbyterian Church of Seaton IL
My life goes on in endless song
Above earth´s lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear its music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?
This hymn by Robert Lowery written in 1869 has indeed been an echo in my soul this past month. As the bitter cold descended and the snow fell cutting us off from even the scant contact we have had together, the need for hope in my life increased. Hope that the dark night of my sorrow would someday lift just as soon the bitter cold would rescind and the sun would shine forth again.
Today the sun is bright. The air is warmer. It is now easier to leave our homes. The cycle of the seasons begins its annual turn and hope, like a crocus emerges above the cold landscape of winter. But what is it that we hope in? How is hope different in the spring than in the winter?
When life becomes oppressive, we who claim faith in Jesus are to look upon Him for our sustenance and endurance. Paul wrote to Timothy “We have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all, especially of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:10. Together we hope in the LIFE of Jesus not His temporary destruction and death. We hope in the LIFE to come, not in this present age. We hope in the LIFE eternal for it is what we have been promised by the God who loves us more than anyone in this world ever could. Jesus loves us most of all and we can hope in His promises - whether in the dark cold of winter or in the new warmth and sunshine of spring.
How indeed, can we keep from singing?
Let us pray together…
God of hope we love you. We thank you for all the days of our lives - in the darkness or in the brightness. We look to you for our source of joy, peace and love. May our faith daily increase as you move in our lives. May your grace and Spirit be with us Jesus today in in all our days to come. In Your precious name we pray, Jesus, Amen
Out now on Inheritancehttp://smarturl.it/AA_InheritanceMy life flows on in endless songAbove earth’s lamentationI hear the sweet though far off hymnThat hail...