HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING?

        "The Lord is my strength and shield.  I trust him with all my heart.  He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.   I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."   Psalm 28:7 (NLT)  What a testimony and message to begin a new year.  Can you say that as you reflect upon the Lord's care and provision during the past year that it makes you want to burst out in singing?  That is the message shared in this week's hymn choice.  How can I keep from singing?  Many sources give credit for its writing to Robert Lowry (1826-1899).  It is said that he was a man of rare administrative ability, a most excellent preacher, a thorough Bible student, and whether in the pulpit or upon the platform, always a brilliant and interesting speaker. He is also remembered for his work and writing in music. His melodies are sung in every civilized land, and many of his hymns have been translated into various languages. While preaching the Gospel was his lifework, music and hymnology were his favorite studies. But they were always a side issue, a recreation.  Lowry frequently said that he regarded "Weeping Will Not Save Me" as the best and most evangelistic hymn he ever wrote. The following are some of his most popular gospel melodies: "Shall We Gather at the River?," "One More Day's Work for Jesus," "Where is My Wandering Boy Tonight?," "I Need Thee Every Hour," "The Mistakes of My Life," "How Can I Keep from Singing?," "All the Way My Saviour Leads Me," "Saviour, Thy Dying Love," and "We're Marching to Zion."   But getting back to this week's hymn, there are numerous other verses and claims of authorship.  For example, Doris Plenn claims to have learned the original hymn from her grandmother, who reportedly believed that it dated from the early days of the Quaker movement. Plenn contributed a verse around 1950 which was taken up by Pete Seeger and other folk singers.  So no matter who wrote all the words or which version you accept, the message is the same.   "No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I'm clinging. Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?"  And remember we are told in Ephesians 5:18-20,  " ... be filled with the Holy Spirit,  singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. "  May your new year be filled with an endless song coming from a thankful heart! 

1      My life flows on in endless song;
above earth's lamentation,
I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.
Refrain:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?

2      Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?
Refrain:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?

3      What though my joys and comforts die?
I know my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth. 
Refrain:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?

4      The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his!
How can I keep from singing? 
Refrain:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?

Listen to it here.   LISTEN