My Life Flows On in Endless Song, ELW 763
Devotion
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?
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)
What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth. (Refrain)
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)
Almost two years ago, when my wife, Lynne, was in the final weeks of stage 4 stomach cancer, I went to our church early on Maundy Thursday to select 6-8 possible hymns that could be sung at her memorial service. Our daughters would be with us for Easter and Lynne and our daughters would select from those which ones to sing. At her memorial service, we sang this hymn, with tears in our eyes, tears of loss and pain, but also tears of comfort and hope.
Just as the verses state, we felt peace, presence, and hope, even in the midst of our grief and loss. We could really sing and say in confidence that in the peace of Christ all things were ours and we were His. It is possible to sing even when tears roll down our cheeks. We had been supported by the prayers of so many people. At her memorial service we were surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues who carried us along. With that kind of support and the wonderful presence and promises of God, how could we keep from singing?
Prayer
Gracious and loving God, thank you for your presence and healing in Jesus, that helps us sing even in the time of great loss. Amen.