July 5, 2005

Have faith in God –
Christ died for us that day;
Have faith in God –
In the tomb He could not stay;
Have faith in God –
For the stone was rolled away.
Have faith, dear friend, in God.

Peace, Perfect Peace

Edward Henry Bickersteth, 1825-1906

    These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33.

    While vacationing in August of 1875, Bickersteth heard a sermon on Isaiah 26:3 and was deeply moved by the way this verse reads in Hebrew: "Thou wilt keep him in peace, peace whose mind is stayed on Thee...." The repetition of the word conveyed the idea of absolute perfection. That afternoon while visiting a dying, aged relative, Bickersteth read this verse from Isaiah to comfort the man. Then at the bedside he quickly composed the lines of this hymn text just as it reads today.
    From the Hebrew expression of "peace, peace" came the beginning phrase of each stanza, "Peace, perfect peace." Then the questions were posed. For each of these questions Edward Bickersteth supplied a positive, spiritual answer.
    As these completed lines were read to the dying relative, they were no doubt a source of great comfort--as they have continued to be for troubled hearts throughout the years.

Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.

Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.

Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found.

Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?
In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they.

Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.

Peace, perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours?
Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers.

It is enough: earth’s struggles soon shall cease,
And Christ calls us to Heaven’s perfect peace.

Have Faith in God by H.M.S. Richards, Used by Permission