Friday, March 1, 2024  

---

Today's Hymn
“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Come unto me and rest;
lay down, O weary one, lay down
your head upon my breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary, worn, and sad;
I found him in a resting place,
and he has made me glad.

by Horatius Bonar
Hymn 182, Glory to God
verse 1

---

Reflection

The grand old melody of this hymn, thought to go back to the Middle Ages, fits the majesty of Fourth Church’s architecture and atmosphere like a sturdy tunic. With its towering notes sung by a full-throated congregation, it can fill us with strength and resolve many Sunday mornings.

Yet watching a video online of this verse, I had a different reaction. The Gaelic-tinged video had a single woman’s voice gently unspooling the words. She sounded exhausted, alone, pounded by the blows of life, on the verge of tears (but it was, of course, gorgeously sung, in the Irish way). She was ready to quit when the voice of Jesus invites her to solace.

Solace, the most beautiful word in the English language.

I love and admire my friends and acquaintances at Fourth Church. So many interesting people, from different backgrounds and walks of life. A group of Type A individuals, for the most part, who want to get things done in God’s service and know how to do it.

Yet every one of them has endured the moment described in this verse, maybe multiple times. They’ve all faced insurmountable trials that brought them to tears. They’ve all been weary, worn, and sad. In the welcoming arms of Jesus, they found rest, and instead of being alone, we are joined together in singing.

---

Prayer
Lord, I am small, weak, and weary, but your love gives me solace. Remind me that everyone I meet is going through troubles, and help me share some of your solace with them. Amen.

---

Written by Jim Garner, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email