DWELLING IN BEULAH LAND

          I have enjoyed watching the Olympics during the past two weeks.  There have been some very interesting and exciting results, but one of my favorites was the win by Fuji in the rugby competition.  The Fuji players became national heroes when they won the gold medal, the first medal ever won in the Olympics by their country. The fiji government declared a national holiday to celebrate.  Then during the medal ceremony they played the country's anthem, "God Bless Fiji".  As I listened I knew that I had heard that tune before and soon I was able to recall what is was as words from many years ago came back to my mind.  The music was the same as "Dwelling in Beulah Land", a hymn which we loved to sing many years ago.  I guess in those years I thought that Beulah Land referred to heaven and while doing some research I found that many believe that to be the case.  In fact there are a variety of opinions as to what it stands for. Beulah is actually only mentioned once in the Bible, in Isaiah 62:4. "You will be called Hepzipah, and your land Beulah". I am not a theologian, but apparently Beulah means "to be married". The verse is a message of hope to the nation of Israel. God promises to change its name from Deserted and Desolate to Hephzibah and Beulah. When God changes a name in the Bible, it conveys transformation, a second chance, and a new beginning. This passage promises the restoration of Israel to a place of favor and protection in God's sight. Through this passage, the whole world knows that God finds delight in Israel and is married to her. He will no longer forsake His people. That deliverance from bondage into freedom and blessing is similar to the salvation of sinners today. Our "Canaan" , or "Beulah" is the abundant Christian life, a life of peace and victory, that Christ came to provide for us. This hymn was written by Charles Austin Miles (1868-1946) in 1911, a pharmacist turned publisher. Miles was also an amateur photographer who wrote many of his hymns in a darkroom while waiting for the photographs to develop. He served as editor and manager at the Hall-Mack publishers for 37 years. In his own words, "It is as a writer of gospel songs I am proud to be known, for in that way I may be of the most use to my Master, whom I serve willingly although not as efficiently as is my desire."  His hymn uses an upbeat tune to share many of the things that believers experience in the abundant Christian life that Christ provides to his family. In it we are reminded that despite the noise of strife, and the sins and temptations of earth all around us, none of them can take away the peace that Christ alone gives.  We can be safe from the battle around us as we retreat to God's Word and the safety which He provides.  We can see the way He planned as we are sheltered and protected by God's hand, safe forever in Beulah Land.  Rest in these truths this week.

1      Far away the noise of strife upon my ear is falling,

Then I know the sins of earth beset on every hand:

Doubt and fear and things of earth in vain to me are calling,

None of these shall move me from Beulah Land. 

Chorus:

I'm living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky,

I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry;

O yes! I'm feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,

For I am dwelling in Beulah Land. 

2      Far below the storm of doubt upon the world is beating,

Sons of men in battle long the enemy withstand:

Safe am I within the castle of God's Word retreating,

Nothing then can reach me--'tis Beulah Land. 

I'm living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky,

I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry;

O yes! I'm feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,

For I am dwelling in Beulah Land. 

3      Let the stormy breezes blow, their cry cannot alarm me;

I am safely sheltered here, protected by God's hand:

Here the sun is always shining, here there's naught can harm me,

I am safe forever in Beulah Land. 

I'm living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky,

I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry;

O yes! I'm feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,

For I am dwelling in Beulah Land. 

4      Viewing here the works of God, I sink in contemplation,

Hearing now His blessed voice, I see the way He planned:

Dwelling in the Spirit, here I learn of full salvation,

Gladly I will tarry in Beulah Land. 

I'm living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky,

I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry;

O yes! I'm feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,

For I am dwelling in Beulah Land. 

You have several choices if you want to listen to it.  First, a video of it being sung by a congregation.   CONGREGATION

Second, you can listen to the Gathers sing it.   GATHERS

Now, just for fun, here is a copy of the Fiji anthem   FIJI