Morning is Breaking

by Yvonne Beals

Morning is breaking as I sit and worship.
Darkness dispelling, giving way to another day
Songs in the night fill my heart to overflowing.
Knowing You, Jesus, there is nothing more i could attain than to be apprehended by such great love as your warm embrace. As we dance, I imagine being before the throne. My heart is swelling; I cannot capture in words you’re your presence means. 

The world is in an uproar, hearts are crying, crying for that which is counted lost. Friends now gone, hearts empty, longing for what was or could have been, mingled together, daring not to hope for what is outside of reach. The “what ifs” crowd out hope. Longing to be planted once again to be at ease in my own skin, yet I am compelled to die…to die to all that is familiar…to let it go. Oh, to do life well. To still the war in my heart and find joy again: joy in serving, joy in loving unincumbered, joy in giving. 

Grey clouds are lined with pink as the sun rises and morning breaks. There is hope: it is hope in the eternal, the soon-coming King. As morning is breaking in the here and now, I breathe in cool brisk air feeling the warmth of my own breath knowing there is life. Naked branches clap in exaltation, singing out praises.  I can almost hear their voices. Oh, to hear all of creation singing out “Hosanna to the King.” Blue sky emerges; rain clouds are now passing. 

Morning is breaking and new hope has come. Hope that when we gather to worship, this same Presence will be evidenced corporately as we gather within our church fellowships. Bells ringing call to the community, “It’s time to worship.”

They ring out into the highways and the byways compelling those hungry and thirsty to come into the fold out of the cold. Yes, morning is breaking, and I am grateful the long night is ending. Gratefully, I find refuge and comfort in the Book, ancient as it is, fresh, inspired for this juncture of life – the son of Jesse expressed himself well in Psalm 43. It’s richest when read to oneself with pen in hand. The Author and Finisher of Faith transcribes the written word in the inner chambers of the heart where it and I become one as morning now breaks. 

Be Still, My Soul
Katharina A. von Schlegel, pub.1752

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.

Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well-pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine. 

Yvonne has brought many women to Women of the Word, a ministry dedicated to equipping women to be transformed into the image of Christ through the study of His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.