"Unchained!"

Are you all alone? Hurting and afraid? Wandering through a valley of despair?  Sitting alone tormented by past failures? Living a life in shackles of sin and shame? Perhaps this classic hymn will bless you as it did me in my darkest hours. "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 heavenly, 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, though 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 sorrows and thy fears. Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay From His own fulness all He takes away. Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening 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.  Tonight, right this moment can you hear the jailor walking with keys?  He is coming to you…he is coming to unshackle you, to free you from the penalty, the sentence of death.  Your bail was paid…you have been pardoned.  You are set free if you accept this gift of  God's grace. Dear Jesus, help all those who are reading these word to feel your presence.  Now cover us with your quilt of peace, hope, and  joy.  Amen

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