As people of faith, we are reminded often of God’s blessings – all the things we have that God provides, all the ways our lives are enriched by friends, family, nature, recreation, rewarding work, and many more “goodnesses.” Yet, there is a heaviness in our world that most of us feel. We carry it around daily and aren’t sure what to do with it. The seldom-used word lamentation seems to fit – an expression of grief, sorrow, or regret. How do we handle this heaviness – this lamenting- and still find joy and gratefulness?
I find that the old hymn “How Can I Keep from Singing? Has a text that is helpful.
“My life flows on in endless song, above earth’s lamentation.
I hear the real, though far-off hymn, that hails a new creation.
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth…How can I keep from singing?”
These words and their tune have been set and recorded countless times. A simple google search takes us to many versions on YouTube. I’ve chosen eight to share with you… one for each day of the week and an extra one for good measure. I hope that these words will provide a beautiful reminder that “above the tumult and the strife,” we will hear God’s goodness and faithfulness ringing and we will be used by God to usher in His new creation.
Laura Ritter, Minister of Music