It’s been a rough road, this journey I’ve been on with treatment for Hepatitis C. There were days that I lay at home in bed, unable to get up and do the simplest things of life. There was just no strength at all for anything.
During this time of treatment, I often took solace in worshipping God with music. While I enjoy many different genres of Christian music, I found the old hymns to be particularly comforting. There is something about a spiritual song that bypasses our humanity and goes directly through to the spirit. This kind of music pulls from the deepest parts of us to connect to the God we love and worship.
I remember hearing many stories about the authors of some of the old hymns, and the circumstances that lead to them writing the melodies and lyrics. One such song is “It is Well With My Soul,” written by Horatio Spafford in the 1870’s after losing his fortune and then, his five children. Out of the depth of his sorrow, he wrote one of the most cherished hymns of all times. “It is Well With My Soul” has comforted millions around the world and across the decades.
Some hymns were written as a response to adversity and sorrow. Others were written as expressions of great joy, yet all are timeless. Although they have passed from generation to generation, their ability to bless and comfort has never diminished because they are based on the truths of the Word of God—and God’s truth never changes!
That’s why the hymns are making a great comeback among our young people. Whether written as prayers and petitions, praise and thanksgiving, or promises of commitment, the hymns of our Christian faith tell the story of God’s faithfulness and of His great love.
In your dark and difficult times, hearing the words to these precious songs can help support and uphold you. They can part clouds of depression, bring comfort in times of trials, and calm your fears. While they cannot change your circumstances, they often can help change your outlook and bring hope in times of despair.
There are so many who are sitting alone and can’t get to a church but you can still worship God! The Lord is always right there comforting you and holding you next to His bosom. Sometimes when you are sick and all alone and have to lay in bed… you can still be in the presence of God.
Young or old, every soul will have its challenges in this life. I hope that we can all learn from these very special lyrics and others like them:
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Love,
Lori I must say how courageous you have been. And I really admire you for the sweet woman you are in God! I am 56 years of age and did drugs in the 70’s and early 80’s and I feel like I went through what you went through. But my sister lost her son at 30 this year from cancer he had suffered for 6 years. And now is with the Lord! But I pray for your healing from this disease you are suffering from. I send my love to you and God’s many blessings!
Lori….Kathy and I have two old hymnals next to our bed…..on dark days we have sang song after song….and the Holy Spirit has filled our room. Kathy is bed ridden a lot because of surgeries and illness….we are not able to attend church a lot because of 394 days in the hospital in almost 4 years….those songs have kept us….we are so glad you are finding comfort in them as well. God Bless you sweetheart….you are still looking great during the broadcasts. You are in our prayers…..God Bless and Heal you! Hugs! Vickie and daughter Kathy
HI MY DEAR SISTER IN THE LORD, LORI, AGAIN YOUR WORDS FILLED ME WITH SUCH HOPR AND LOVE OF GOD!! THANKYOU AGAIN FOR BEING SO USED OF GOD, AND SO WONDERFULLY TRANSPARENT!! I APPECIATE YOU AND YOUR POWERFUL MINISTRY GOD HAS GIFTED YOU WITH!! I AND MY PRECIOUS WIFE,PRAY FOR YOU EVERYDAY!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED,LOVED,LOVED YOU AND JIM HAVING BROTHER HAGEE ON THE SHOW!! HE IS A AWESOME WATCHMAN ON THE TOWER!! WHAT A GOD GIVEN VOICE THE LORD,HAS PRIVLIDGED HIM WITH!!! LOVE IN CHRIST,BROTHER JEREMIAH.
Thank you Lori!!
Thank you so much for sharing during this difficult time. It is so amazing how the Lord uplifts & blesses during these hard times. I went through breast cancer chemo treatments 8 yrs ago. I know how very difficult it is to go through these treatments, but at the same time the blessings of God during this time were amazing!!! God will continue to hold you in His hands during this time. Thank you again for sharing, people will know that God provides blessings through all adversities!!! You are in my prayers daily.
Hi Lori, thanks for sharing your experiences with us through this website. I too have experienced the same things you describe, I have had significant and untreatable pain from a damaged spine, the loss of all my friends when my church failed – this after many decades, and isolation as a result of these things, but I have come to know that God desires to be known, walk with us, befriend us, show us His glory which is so much greater than all the experiencse of this life. He is good and great! He wants us to grow in the knowledge of Him.
Blessings
Dave
Amen and amen Lori.
Lori,
I really admire you, and you are such a blessing in my life. I have been praying daily for you and Jim.
Miss seeing you on the show.
I know your going to be just fine.
GOD IS SO GOOD!
Hope it will be better soon Lori…I know it will in Jesus name.
great of you to share
what you are going through
who knows how many are drawing strength
and they know that’s one of many things you pray for them to do
thanks for being there , one way or another , as always
Lori, such timeless truth you have written about. Yes, the older hymns have such strong messages from God’s Word and from people who have been in the valley, seeking help, comfort, strength. Jesus says He will never, never, never leave us. This includes when we have no strength to do anything…even getting out of bed..He is right there encouraging us through so many things and as has happened to you, this has happened to me. God reaches out in music to speak to me, encourage , me help me see things from His point of view. I think as long as we know that we know, that we know, He is there…we can get through so many things that happen, that otherwise would totally devastate us. Praise God , that He reached out to you in your weakness and need to hear from Him..we can worship God anywhere….I do it a lot in the car driving, praying happens there a lot too. ! God is taking you through all of this for a reason Lori…you are willing to let Him hold your hand and love you through each moment. and let Him shine through even your pain and suffering….God never wastes a hurt…never….even if it may feel that way…at the time…He is using you now Lori….my prayer is for you to be rid of the hepatitis C and have renewed health and strength and that this hepatitis C will just be a memory….God is using you, even when you are sick Lori….I am sending you a hug….((hugs)) Love you and praying for you….XOXO MyMy