Rhiannon’s Hymns

1 Kings 19:1–18  Romans 15:4
Elijah was tired, exhausted, dejected,
(God’s enemy boasted and threatened to kill);
but after he’d slept, and had food, God instructed:
his work was progressing, his plan he’d fulfil.
Not fire from heaven, or shaking of mountains,
– God’s voice in men’s hearts turns them back so they will
acknowledge his work, his instructions all follow,
unshaken by those who choose wickedness still.

Queen Jezebel’s malice was bitter and raging,
she snarled, but the base of her power was gone;
and Satan attempts to wreak havoc and trembling:
he knows he’s defeated, the contest is won.

Elijah was like us, with passions and weakness,
straightforward and honest, no ‘airs’ or pretence.
He suddenly felt all alone, but God’s presence
was with him, as soon he would know and confess.

And all this is taught us to strengthen endurance;
the scriptures encourage and lead us in faith.
Let no-one intimidate; saints’ perseverance
is certain, their hope is unshakeable truth.
Tune: ‘He giveth more grace’ by Hubert Mitchell 12 11 12 11+

Lamentations 3:19–26
If I feel depressed and lonely,
guilty, friendless, cross, cast-down,
turn my thoughts to all God’s goodness,
and the kindnesses I’ve known.
Why should bitterness engulf me?
Why should only good befall
one so sinful and so foolish? –
Let God teach my wayward soul.

If I cannot face my failings,
without feeling great despair,
and expect complete perfection
while this mortal life I bear; –
I must think upon the gospel, –
open offer, grace made known,
wait for his complete salvation,
fix my hope in Christ alone.

When in physical affliction,
or I’m hurt by what men say,
angry thoughts must not consume me,
nor from Jesus turn away;
and I too have sinned against him,
hurting others by my ways,
– so return, O LORD, restore me,
help me serve you all my days.
(Tune: 87 87D)

Do God’s children always feel a
deep assurance, joy and peace?
Do their fears, and darkness, doubting
disappear, – for ever cease?
Life anew, regeneration,
brings assurance to the soul,
though the turmoil can obscure the
peace and joy from mind’s recall.

Many days I thus delight in
when my soul rests as a child
on its gracious, loving Father,
sensing that he’s reconciled.
Days of trial, days of trouble,
days of trying dullness come, –
when I have to persevere, and
think of all that Christ has done.

Wait upon the Lord almighty
when you feel no peace or calm;
– his the grace that’s made me want sal-
-vation from all sin and harm.
Wait upon the Lord almighty;
look to him and daily drink –
no-one else can quench your thirst, and
lift you as you start to sink.

Praise and pray and serve him, trust him, –
more important than ‘felt’ peace. –
When obedient, God brings comfort,
to my darkness brings relief.
I’m imperfect, yet there are those
signs of life from God, new ways.
When I’m puzzled I must lean on
Jesus, through confusing days.

Ways of God are wise and gracious,
as he sanctifies Christ’s Bride;
heavenly Father knows that sometimes
our desires must be denied.
– ‘Do not give me all things easy,
lest I turn away to pride;
neither take all blessings from me,
keep me trusting at your side.’ (Proverbs 30:8,9)