by Henry Francis Lyte @ 1820
Tomorrow’s Gospel text will tell of the beheading of John the Baptist. An insecure king, to please his step daughter who was pleasing her mother, and he, from fear of looking foolish in front of his guests, grants the girl’s demand for John’s head to be presented on a silver platter. It is a horrible story of injustice. John was Jesus’ cousin, was considered one of the humblest people alive, and had faithfully preached truth to power. Sometimes life just doesn’t make sense.
We may not be in a lonely cell block awaiting beheading but we may be watching the political news wringing our hands and pondering where God is in all this. We may be keeping vigil with loved ones declining inch by inch with dementia. We may be silently loving people we care about caught in alcohol or drugs or rebellion. We may be praying for loved ones trapped in countries torn apart by war. Whatever our situation we know life is not always fair.
And so I come back to this beloved hymn I have highlighted before. I love the word “abide.” It’s archaic so carries a bit more weight as it slows me down to think how abiding is slightly different than asking God to sit awhile or stay awhile with me. Somehow “abide” speaks to me of love and comfort and compassion. Perhaps this is a good song for you to sit with for a moment as you anticipate tomorrow…or the events of today. Blessings.
On the Way to Wonder 