August 5, 2017 (Saturday)
When I first started out in the ministry, I discovered that certain songs were very popular and were often chosen for special occasions. I later discovered that over the years those choices change. Today’s songs reflect today’s world. Back then, almost 70 years ago, one of the wedding songs that was sung often was Irving Berlin’s “Always.” And one of the funeral songs most heard was “The Haven of Rest,” still a popular hymn.
When storms on the high seas threaten ships, they seek a safe port. Here on the land we can see them coming in one after the other. Small boats are usually towed to an inland secure place, but larger vessels must find the safest haven available, and prepare to ride out the storm in the safe harbor.
It is easy to see how that experience carries over into the storms of life and our own search for security in our lives, which is found in our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Haven of Rest
Lyrics, Henry L. Gilmour
Tune, George D. Moore
1890
Chorus:
I’ve anchored my soul in the “Haven of Rest,”
I’ll sail the wide seas no more;
The tempest may sweep over wild, stormy, deep,
In Jesus I’m safe evermore.
Verses:
My soul in sad exile was out on life’s sea,
So burdened with sin and distressed,
Till I heard a sweet voice, saying, “Make Me your choice”;
And I entered the “Haven of Rest”!
I yielded myself to His tender embrace,
In faith taking hold of the Word,
My fetters fell off, and I anchored my soul;
The “Haven of Rest” is my Lord.
The song of my soul, since the Lord made me whole,
Has been the old story so blest,
Of Jesus, who’ll save whosoever will have
A home in the “Haven of Rest.”
How precious the thought that we all may recline,
Like John, the beloved so blest,
On Jesus’ strong arm, where no tempest can harm,
Secure in the “Haven of Rest.”
Oh, come to the Savior, He patiently waits
To save by His power divine;
Come, anchor your soul in the “Haven of Rest,”
And say, “My Beloved is mine.”