The following verse from one of the many hymns written my John Newton, seems to strike a 'chord' (sorry for the music joke) in me. Newton is best known for his hymn 'Amazing Grace', and for the story of his conversion from slave-trader ship captain to preacher of the Word.
There are times when the winter of our souls is a reflection of the cold weather we see in northern climes this time of year. Well, to be more truthful, the chill in our soul can be much worse that any blizzard that is howling outside our windows. But Newton has an answer for that, too. As St. Paul put it, It's between staying and keeping our friends happy, or going to be with the Lord, which is far better. Yet, Paul did stay, until the Lord called him home--in his good time. And I know the same was true for Newton.
Dear Lord, if indeed I am
thine, if thou art my sun and my song,
Say, why do I languish and pine, and why are my winters so
long?
Oh, drive these dark clouds from my sky,
Thy soul-cheering presence restore:
Or take me unto thee on high,
Where winters and clouds are no more.
John Newton, 1725-1807
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