Peace, Perfect Peace (Presbyterian Hymnal #487)

Hymn by Edward H. Bickersteth;
Tune by George T. Caldbeck;
Arranged by Charles W. Vincent;
Slides and audio by CARadke;

[lynnaelarson]

In 1875, while Edward Bickersteth was vacationing in Harrowgate, England, he heard a sermon on Isaiah 26:3. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee' (KJV). The minister explained that the original Hebrew read, "Thou wilt keep him in peace, peace. . ." In Hebrew the repetition of the word indicates intensity or perfection. That afternoon Bickersteth visited a dying relative. When he found the man deeply distressed, he withdrew for a while and wrote this hymn.
Then he returned to read Scripture and to share the comforting line he had written.
As we read the first line of each stanza, we are pummeled by the problems of out modern society. Headlines are filled with violence; hectic lifestyle frustrate and worry us, discouragements overwhelm us, loneliness causes heartache.But while problems are found in the first line of each stanza, there is word that appears consistently in the second line--"Jesus." And His presence in our problems and heartaches makes all the difference.
Written by: Edward H. Bickersteth (1825-1906)
Composed by: George T. Caldbeck
Blessings to All!
Lynnae Larrson