GOD PAUSE- August 24 There is a Balm in Gilead, ELW 614 We all go through seasons of ups and downs in our work and in our lives. At times we are on that mountaintop, filled with great ideas and great enthusiasm. At other times the season seems to be draining and discouraging and downright difficult to even muster up the strength to endure another day. Jeremiah writes about this sickness of the souls of his people when he asks, Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored? (Jeremiah 8:22) This hymn answers these questions by putting all the work of soul-revival on the Holy Spirit and all the work of love-speak and wisdom on Jesus. This spiritual says there is a balm in Gilead, and it is there for us when the seasons of our lives are the lowest and most difficult. Gracious God, in whatever season of life we are in, grant us your healing, wholeness, love and knowledge. Help us to put our trust wholly in your healing balm. In the name of your holy and merciful Son. Amen. Sarah Raymond Pastor, Calvary Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, N.D. Master of Divinity, 2013 https://youtube/watch?v=okl2XbTM7xM
Posted on: Sun, 24 Aug 2014 11:30:23 +0000