I wrote some about grief in my last post and will probably write more another time. In fact, you may get tired of hearing me talk about grief, because it’s something God is using to strip away the parts of my soul He wants to restore.
Allowing myself to grieve is submitting to the life God is giving me. And, no, it’s not easy or passive. It’s painful. A submission of my mind and will to see my circumstances as God’s faithful provision. A stark contrast to my instinctive toddler response of sitting in the middle of the living room, screaming, “I don’t want this. Give me what I want and give it to me now!” or the one where I’m withdrawn, curled up in bed and can’t remember the steps to starting my day.
I love this hymn, Whate’er my God Ordains is Right. I’ve posted the words below.
It is hope for me in the midst of grief. It reminds me of who God is — the one who can restore all things — and that I can trust him even in the dark times.
Perhaps you have known grief, too. A friend of mine wrote new music to this old hymn. It blesses me. May it be an encouragement to you. You can listen to it here.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
His holy will abideth;
I will be still whate’er He doth;
And follow where He guideth.
He is my God: though dark my road.
He holds me that I shall not fall.
And so to Him I leave it all,
He holds me that I shall not fall.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
He never will deceive me.
He leads me by the proper path;
I know He will not leave me.
I take, content, what He hath sent.
His hand can turn my griefs away,
And patiently I wait His day,
His hand can turn my griefs away.
Whate’er my God ordains is right,
Though now this cup I’m drinking,
May bitter seem to my faint heart,
I take it all, unshrinking.
My God is true; each morn anew.
Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart,
And pain and sorrow shall depart,
Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart.
Whate’er my God ordains is right.
Here shall my stand be taken.
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
Yet I am not forsaken.
My Father’s care is round me there.
He holds me that I shall not fall,
And so to Him I leave it all,
He holds me that I shall not fall.
Words by Samuel Rodigast (1676), music by Jeff Bourque.
Copyright 2011 Manicotti Music (ASCAP)