All is Well

Last weekend I had the extraordinary blessing of being back in Omaha. My primary purpose was to teach ESL training for the ministry at my home church, Harvest PCA. And that is such fun for me! But in addition, I had the quick opportunity to visit close friends. Truly, the weekend filled me up with the fellowship, comfort and joy found uniquely in the company of like-minded believers.

I think that a small part of me will always mourn leaving. The last few times it has been hard to leave the place, and especially the people, behind. But this time I realized that I was leaving refreshed and ready to press forward in this new place. And I am exceedingly thankful for that.

I heard a lot of stories over the weekend. I heard stories that bring me joy, and cause me to laugh out loud. I rejoice with those who rejoice. And I heard stories that remind me of the brokenness of this world, and cause me to turn my face to the Lord and fall right back to the truth of the Gospel and pray, because there is absolutely nothing else that I can do. In His time, He will make all things right, but meanwhile, I also mourn with those who mourn. And I am thankful for both experiences, the rejoicing and the mourning.

On Sunday morning, I was back in worship in that place that is so special to me, with the people I know so well. It was balm, to close my eyes and recognize individual voices. They sang a new-to-the-congregation and new-to-me hymn last Sunday, and the words, those eternal truths, soothe my soul as I move forward.

Indeed, all is well.

All is Well
written by Mary Bowly Peters (1813-1856)
modern arrangement by Trudy E. Poirier

Through the love of God our Savior, all will be well
Free and changeless is his favor, all, all is well.
Precious is the blood that healed us, perfect is the grace that sealed us, strong the hand stretched out to shield us,
O all must be well, all must be well.

Though we pass through tribulation, all will be well
Ours is such a great salvation, all, all is well.
Happy still in God confiding, fruitful if in Christ abiding, holy, through the Spirit’s guiding
O all must be well, all must be well.

In all things our God is working, all will be well;
For the good of those who love him, all, all is well.
Nothing here can separate us, from the love he freely gave us, for his purpose we are called
O all must be well, all must be well.

We expect a bright tomorrow, all will be well;
Faith can sing through days of sorrow, all, all is well.
On our Father’s love relying, Jesus every need supplying, or in living or in dying,
O all must be well, all must be well.

(All is Well, along with other hymns can be heard through the link below for Pear Tree Music)
(photo credit to me- nothing to do with the post except that it was taken in a dear friend's garden over in Iowa last Friday afternoon...)