Milo

July 9

DOES JESUS CARE?
Frank E. Graeff, 1860–1919
And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)
God whispers in our pleasures but shouts in our pain.
—C. S. Lewis
Frank E. Graeff, author of this hymn text, knew what it was to wonder, as most of God’s children do at times, if the Lord is really concerned during our times of hurt, when the burdens and cares weigh heavily, when the way seems dark, when temptation seems difficult to resist, or when we must part with our dearest loved one. Yet the answer comes back triumphantly: “I know my Savior cares!”
Known as the “sunshine minister” of the Methodist denomination in the churches of the Philadelphia conference, Frank Graeff was widely liked for his cheerful and winsome personality. C. Austin Miles, writer of the hymn “In the Garden,” said of him:
He is a spiritual optimist, a great friend of children; his bright sun-shining disposition attracts not only children but all with whom he comes in contact. He has a holy magnetism and a child-like faith.
Unknown to others, however, were the many severe testing experiences in Mr. Graeff’s life. It was during a time of severe physical agony, doubt, and despondency that he turned to the Scriptures for comfort and strength. First Peter 5:7, which says, “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you,” became especially meaningful to him in this time of need. He wrote the lines of “Does Jesus Care?” to express the feelings of assurance that came to him. Mr. Graeff wrote more than 200 hymns in his lifetime, but none has been more consoling to God’s people than this text:
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth and song, as the burdens press, and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and long?
Does Jesus care when my way is dark with a nameless dread and fear? As the daylight fades into deep night shades, does He care enough to be near?
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed to resist some temptation strong, when for my deep grief I find no relief, tho my tears flow all the night long?
Does Jesus care when I’ve said good bye to the dearest on earth to me, and my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
Chorus: O yes, He cares—I know He care! His heart is touched with my grief; when the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.

    For Today: Psalm 28:7; 42:8; Isaiah 26:4; Mark 5:36; 1 Peter 5:7

In your times of darkness or sorrow, rest in the security of the truth that Jesus truly cares deeply and will ultimately meet your need. Then try to comfort someone else with this musical truth—

July 8

COME, YE DISCONSOLATE
Thomas Moore, 1779–1852, (verses 1 and 2 with alterations)
Thomas Hastings, 1784–1872, (verse 3)
You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)
God’s delight is to administer comfort to wounded spirits.
—Unknown
Repeating the plea to “come” and the plaintive promise that “earth has no sorrow that heav’n cannot heal,” this hymn of a soulful Irish poet has brought divine peace and consolation to countless troubled individuals. The text assures the anguished, the desolate, the straying one, and the penitent that responding to God’s gracious invitation and sharing our burdens with Him will bring us joy, light, hope, and tender comfort.
Thomas Moore was well-known in Ireland for his poems and ballads such as “The Last Rose of Summer” and “Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms.” He became known as the “Voice of Ireland.” Moore’s prose and poetry were said to be influential in the political emancipation of Ireland. The English seemed to sense in his writings the true spirit of the Irish people, and they were moved to be more sympathetic toward their gaining independence from England.
After Thomas Moore included this hymn in his 1824 collection, Sacred Songs—Duets and Trios, a number of revisions were made in the lines by Thomas Hastings, an American hymnist. The third stanza was almost completely rewritten by Hastings. It is generally agreed that these changes made Moore’s poem easier to sing and more suitable for evangelical church use. How important to be reminded that “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.”
Come, ye disconsolate, where’er ye languish—Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel; Here bring your wounded hearts; here tell your anguish: Earth has no sorrow that heav’n cannot heal.
Joy of the desolate, Light of the straying, Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure! Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying, “Earth has no sorrow that heav’n cannot cure!”
Here see the Bread of Life, see the waters flowing forth from the throne of God, pure from above; come to the feast of love—come ever knowing earth has no sorrow but heav’n can remove.

    For Today: Matthew 11:28, 29; John 14:1; 2 Corinthians 1:3–7; Hebrews 4:15, 16; 1 Peter 5:7

Bring to the mercy seat whatever is clouding your life, and you will find the consolation and peace that God has promised and that only He can give. Then remember that the world is full of people with heavy hearts. Share this word of encouragement with someone. Carry this musical reminder with you—

July 7

SWEET PEACE, THE GIFT OF GOD’S LOVE
Words and Music by Peter P. Bilhorn, 1865–1936
Great peace have they who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble. (Psalm 119:165)
The blessing of peace is the one prize that often eludes those who seem to have attained everything else in life. Yet peace is one of the choice gifts left to us by our departing Lord. Jesus’ mission was to bring God’s peace to man by bridging the way for us to enjoy eternal fellowship with our Creator.
Peter Bilhorn, author and composer of this hymn, began writing gospel songs shortly after his conversion at the age of 20. In all he wrote more than 2,000 songs while serving as the song leader for Billy Sunday and other leading evangelists.
One night he sang one of his most popular songs, “I Will Sing the Wondrous Story,” at a camp meeting. A friend jokingly remarked, “I wish you would write a song to suit my voice as well as that song suits yours.” Bilhorn responded, “What shall it be?” “Oh, any sweet piece.” That evening Bilhorn composed the music for the new hymn.
The following winter while traveling on a train, Bilhorn observed a tragic train accident. He saw one poor individual left lying in a pool of blood. That event reminded him of Christ’s blood atoning for our sins, which prompted him to write these words there on the train. He completed a hymn that has since moved many to a deeper realization and appreciation of God’s “wonderful gift from above.”
There comes to my heart one sweet strain, a glad and a joyous refrain; I sing it again and again—sweet peace, the gift of God’s love.
Thru Christ on the cross peace was made. My debt by His death was all paid; no other foundation is laid for peace, the gift of God’s love.
When Jesus as Lord I had crowned, my heart with this peace did abound; in Him the rich blessing I found—sweet peace, the gift of God’s love.
In Jesus for peace I abide, and as I keep close to His side, there’s nothing but peace doth betide—sweet peace, the gift of God’s love.
Chorus: Peace, peace, sweet peace! Wonderful gift from above! O wonderful, wonderful peace! Sweet peace, the gift of God’s love.

    For Today: Isaiah 57:21; Galatians 5:22; Philippians 4:6, 7; Colossians 3:15

Thank God for the gift of peace that He has provided. A life of peace should lead us to a life of praise—and a life of praise in turn leads to a life of peace. Carry this musical reminder with you—

July 6

LIKE A RIVER GLORIOUS
Frances R. Havergal, 1836–1879
If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea. (Isaiah 48:18)
Our gift of salvation includes more than pardon from sin, deliverance from hell, and a guarantee to heaven. It includes everything we need to live victorious lives of “perfect peace and rest” here and now. An untroubled mind is one of life’s greatest goals. Many seek it by pursuing money, success, drugs, or alcohol, but all such roads end in failure and frustration. Contentment has been described as that inner satisfaction that enables us to live in quietness, peace, and acceptance. The secret of contentment does not depend on our material possessions; rather, it depends on our spiritual awareness and the appropriation of what we possess by being members of the heavenly family.
This hymn text by Frances Havergal, often called “England’s Consecration Poet,” reflects so well her personal lifestyle. Her brief life of 43 years was said to be completely dedicated to God and His service. The music was composed for this text by James Mountain, an English Baptist pastor, evangelist and musician. The hymn first appeared in its present form in the Hymns of Consecration and Faith, published in 1876. The song was titled “Perfect Peace.”
These choice words have made this a favorite hymn of many of God’s people through the years, especially when called upon to face difficult problems:
Like a river glorious is God’s perfect peace, over all victorious in its bright increase; perfect, yet it floweth fuller ev’ry day; perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.
Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand, never foe can follow, never traitor stand; not a surge of worry, not a shade of care, not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.
Ev’ry joy or trial falleth from above, traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love; we may trust Him fully all for us to do—They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
Refrain: Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest—finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

    For Today: Psalm 29:11; Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27; Philippians 4:11; Colossians 3:15; James 3:17

Reflect on this statement—“A mind stayed on God produces a sound mind for daily living.” Carry this musical truth with you as a reminder—

July 5

PEACE, PERFECT PEACE
Edward H. Bickersteth, 1825–1906
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
The quest for inner calm and peace has been a universal struggle for mankind throughout the ages. Even for those of us who profess to be followers of Christ, it is difficult to realize with consistency that “God’s ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts.” It often becomes normal for us to make our own plans without consulting Him for His perfect will.
This comforting hymn, which reminds us that God’s perfect peace is found only in Christ Jesus, was written by an English minister of the Anglican church. Edward Bickersteth, Jr. served as the Bishop of Exeter, England, and became well-known for his many books of sermons, poetry, and hymns.
While vacationing in August, 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 questions were posed. For each of these five 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.

    For Today: Isaiah 26:3; 32:17; John 14:27; Ephesians 2:14; Philippians 4:7

Experience the perfect peace of God in your life by realizing anew that it is only obtained through the presence of Christ in our lives—He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14). Carry this musical message as you go—