Hymns With A Message: TILL THE STORM PASSES BY (TH/PEACE #2)

Sunday, April 5, 2020

TILL THE STORM PASSES BY (TH/PEACE #2)

This storm still rages worldwide. The deadly virus continues to change our lives and cause sickness and death and devastation to our lives. And there seems to be little or no hope for any quick solution. And lives are still filled with fear, anxiety, pressure and worry.

But God hasn't changed. He is still in control. His love hasn't changed. His presence in our lives hasn't changed. His provision of peace in our lives is still available.

As you may recall, last week I said that I have been led for several weeks to change the direction of my blog. I plan to repeat a few of the hymns that I've used in the past as an encouragement to each of us in these difficult days. Last week we asked the question "Does Jesus Care?" And without a doubt He does.

Today we are facing a storm which we never expected or have experienced before. It is one that even the experts don't know how to handle. It is changing our lives. But I think it might be the kind of storm that Mosie Lister wrote about in 1958.

Lister may have been inspired by the story of Jesus who was with His disciples in a boat when a vicious storm hit them. In Mark 4:39 we read, "And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace be still. And the wind ceased and there was a great calm." The scared disciples were astonished and relieved when upon the command of Jesus, the storm passed by. Today as you face this deadly virus do you have the same feelings the disciples had before Jesus calmed the storm? How easy it is to forget that with "Christ in the vessel we can smile at the storm!"

It is said that Lister's hymn was actually written for Mahalia Jackson, but it never reached her. A friend asked Lister to write a song for Jackson who at that time was well known for her rendition of the song "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands". Lister said that because he grew up among minority groups, he had an idea about the background of Jackson and wanted to write a song that would be a prayer for a person who has undergone struggles in life. The song was never given to her but it was written and many other people have actually been blessed by it.

Lister's hymn also echoes the promise of God to Israel in Isaiah 43:2: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you". The best part of this promise is that God not only said they would make it through, but that He would go with them! There was no fear of loneliness! And that is also His promise to us today for Jesus has said that He would never leave us or forsake us. And He hasn't. And He won't. He will go with you through this virus. He will hold you fast and let you stand in the hollow of His hand.

And one day He will take His children to that place where the long night has ended and the storms come no more. And we will stand with Him on that bright peaceful shore. May that promise and truth be your encouragement as you experience His presence and peace while this storm passes by.

1. In the dark of the midnight

have I oft hid my face

While the storm howls above me,

and there's no hiding place

'Mid the crash of the thunder,

Precious Lord, hear my cry

Keep me safe till the storm passes by

Till the storm passes over,

till the thunder sounds no more

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand

Keep me safe till the storm passes by