for the weary and troubled

Now that my sister is married, the responsibility of church music has fallen to me. I'll save most of that for a later post, but for now, while going through some new music given to me by my brother-in-law/pastor, I fell in love with this hymn that spoke to me loudly and clearly. I hope it blesses you as much as it has me.

Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul (Words: Anne Steele; Music: Kevin Twit)

Dear refuge of my weary soul

On Thee, when sorrows rise

On Thee, when waves of trouble roll

My fainting hope relies

To Thee I tell each rising grief

For Thou alone canst heal

Thy Word can bring a sweet relief

For every pain I feel

But oh! When gloomy doubts prevail

I fear to call Thee mine

The springs of comfort seem to fail

And all my hopes decline

Yet gracious God, where shall I flee?

Thou art my only trust

And still my soul would cleave to Thee

Though prostrate in the dust

Hast Thou not bid me seek Thy face

And shall I seek in vain?

And can the ear of sovereign grace

Be deaf when I complain?

No still the ear of sovereign grace

Attends the mourner's prayer

Oh may I ever find access

To breathe my sorrows there

Thy mercy seat is open still

Here let my soul retreat

With humble hope attend Thy will

And wait beneath Thy feet

Thy mercy seat is open still

Here let my soul retreat

With humble hope attend Thy will

And wait beneath Thy feet

I'll be honest. I cried the first time I played it. God gave me this hymn exactly when I needed it. Weary is definitely the word to describe my soul. I needed to remember to take refuge in Him. I can't get rid of my frustration, anxiety, weakness or pain. Only He can.

If you think the words are beautiful, listen the melody here.

Love,

Shelley