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Beautiful Words - Be Still, My Soul

I am starting a new Series called Beautiful Words because I run across a lot of poetry, music and quotes that really speak to me and I would love to share those with you all.  My attempt in this will not be to draw attention to inspirational movie quotes that could be expressed in a Pinterest meem, but rather to use eloquently written words to facilitate thought and delve us into someone else's expression of the greater issues of this life we are in and how to live it best.  Geez, I hope I can pull that off! 

My first selection below is a hymn from church two weeks back that made me think how often I try to avoid thinking of death unless it is currently affecting me.  This hymn was not timed because someone in our church had passed away, but the focus is to remind us that our ultimate goal is being with the Lord when we leave this earth.  I need to be constantly reminded that my life is not my own and that what we do and believe and prioritize on this earth determines our future dwelling.  God offers me peace if I trust in his order and provision.  I will be striving to have a still soul and a peaceful spirit and to focus on the Lord's promises to me through His Word.  He never promises a long life, but should we choose to walk with Him, He certainly offers a full one.

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain
Lease to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hast'ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Please meditate on whatever type of language speaks to you and see the beauty of our Lord and our world through intentional and beautiful words by many different types of authors and artists. 

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