I am settling in to finally write a paper for the class I just completed.  The class was “Transition In Ministry” and it was enlightening, encouraging, and informative.  The ideas about how to formulate this paper have been swirling around in my head for a while and finally I was able to put some notes and bullet points on paper yesterday so that I can begin to write today.  I sat down, ready to really get going and I ended up falling prey to distraction and headed down a trail that led me to write this blog first!

As I looked up the definition of “transition” this morning, a song started bubbling up within me.  It’s a song I first heard and learned as a child and I suppose it will always be etched in my memory.  So naturally, with this convenience of the internet, I opened a tab, searched for the song, and found the lyrics with no problem.  As I read the lyrics I thought about how relevant this “old hymn” is for today’s time.  The truths that are found in this classic hymn and others can bring hope, encouragement, and comfort now, even as they did for individuals in years past.  This particular hymn speaks of trusting in God, looking to His strength and stability in a time when things are changing, evolving, and transforming all around us.  That is where we find the stability we seek in an unstable world.

Psalm 89:13 is the scripture reference for this hymn and it says  ^“Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.”  This hymn was written by Jennie B. Wilson and was published in 1906.  I don’t know about you, but it speaks volumes to me and it is as if could have been written last week.  It is simple and it is powerful.  It has blessed me this morning and at the same time had me reflect on my life and how I have had to hold to that unchanging hand through life’s challenges and trials.  I am so glad that His strength is there to aid, assist, and guide me.  Maybe this will bless you as you read it as well!  Whether your style is the Williams Brothers, Bill and Gloria Gaither, Chicago Mass Choir, or the Oak Ridge Boys, the words are the same.  Find it in the style you like and just sit back and enjoy the message of comfort and hope that it brings.  Blessings to you!

Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand