Thanksgiving Service

We attended an uplifting and meaningful service today at Netherauldhouse Church on the southside of Glasgow. The father of friends had passed away last week, and around 250 gathered to support and pray for the family, and give thanks for his life.

I noticed this colourful banner on the wall, and thought how at times like these, we all come together, all ages and stages, from near and far.

Wonderful singing, including an old hymn I haven't sung for a long time. Written in 1752, it was a favourite of Eric Liddell, the famous Olympian who refused to run on a Sunday. In recent days, I've found these words in Psalm 46 so helpful, "Be Still, and know that I am God". A couple of verses of the hymn here :-

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.