Since I grew up in church, hymn lyrics provided the primary
poetry in my life. Well, that and Robert Lewis Stevenson’s A Child’s Garden
of Verse. Decades later, I can still recite some of the latter. And I still
like to swing and eat animal crackers but without the cocoa. However, the words
to hymns escape me until the music begins and kinetic memory beckons me to sing
along.
During the day, I usually turn on instrumental versions of
classical hymns to fill my home with memories and uplift my spirit. Often,
those same old favorites run through my mind, and I like that good company.
This week, though, an internal recording got stuck on a tune I’d heard but couldn’t recall the words. What made this disconcerting was hearing the phrase, “And shall be till I die” play on automatic repeat!
I tried to change the music in my head, but after a short intermission, there was that phrase again, “And shall be till I die” – playing over and over and…. So, I did what most people now do. I Googled the phrase. Up popped “There Is a Fountain” with sheet music showing five verses, the second-to-last of which ended, “And shall be till I die.”
By this time, I was sure God was trying to tell me something, so I couldn’t help but wonder if He were telling me I’m going to die. Yes, we all are, but I was hoping to wait a while. Nevertheless, with a little trepidation, I read the lyrics of that fourth line, and here’s what I found:
“Redeeming love has been my theme; And shall be till I die.”
Yes! Thank You, God! I can live with that theme! And, Lord
willing, that theme – that purpose – shall continue in me until I die.
Amen!
©2025, Mary Harwell Sayler
4 comments:
Hello Mary,
I love your post! Yes, I occasionally have God send me thoughts similar to those you describe. And I pray He continues to do so. It’s my belief that He speaks in various ways to His children, and knows that we all are unique and so His methods vary accordingly. And I understand your hope for a little more time to accomplish His plans for you and your role on earth. I personally find myself gradually feeling less alarm about my possible departure the older I get. It’s comforting to contemplate His ownership of my soul and know that however He chooses to use me and for how long, …it’s OK. Like Paul said: “It is far better for me to go away, but for your sakes, better that I stay.” (In so many words…)
Take comfort girl. He loves you more than you can imagine, and however long you’re here, it’s going to be good! Just wring out all the enjoyment and fellowship with His Holy Spirit as you can everyday! And, “Let not your heart be troubled”.
Love ya!!!
Stan Simons
Beautiful words! Thank you so much for your encouragement in the Lord.
Perhaps the focus should be on the words that precede the refrain: "Redeeming love has been my theme...And shall be till I die." I.e., perhaps the message is to keep on sharing redeeming love until whenever Jesus takes you home. Keep on keeping on. ❤️
Oh, that was the point of the whole post. Sorry if I wasn't clear.
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