Saturday, September 26, 2015

Devotion

Refrain
There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole;
there is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin-sick soul.

Sometimes I feel discouraged
and think my work's in vain,
but then the Holy Spirit
revives my soul again. Refrain

If you cannot preach like Peter,
if you cannot pray like Paul,
you can tell the love of Jesus
and say, "He died for all." Refrain

Don't ever be discouraged,
for Jesus is your friend;
and if you lack for knowledge
he'll ne'er refuse to lend. Refrain

"There Is a Balm in Gilead" is an example of an African-American spiritual which was passed down anonymously. Originally, the verses may have been sung by a leader with the community joining the refrain. As soon as folks learned the song, they sang along on the verses as well.

The text of the refrain makes reference to Jeremiah 8:22, "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wounds of my [God's] people?" The prophet’s questions are ironic, because Gilead was known for its healing balm. Gilead should have been a place of healing, yet disease was rampant. Moreover, Jeremiah is wondering why God's people have fallen into such suffering, when the path of living by God's Torah is open to them.

Is there no balm in Charleston or Chattanooga? Is there no balm in places with names like Anbar, Gaza, Ukraine, or South Sudan? The list of places where suffering abounds is endless. Generations ago, in the midst of the horrific suffering of slavery, an anonymous child of God taught people to sing this song of hope. Yes, there is a balm in Gilead! That balm is Jesus, the only one who can heal our sin sick souls. The way of abundant life is ever before us. God's dream of healing and peace is real in Christ. You and I are invited to join our voices in singing this song.