Entrust Your Days & Burdens......Just do it!!

Here's a great Lutheran hymn by Paul Gerhardt (1607-1676). Singing these words yesterday in church brought to mind my own encounters with depression and what I call "mind sprains"......injury to mind muscles due to anxiety and stress. Healing has come to me through stillness of mind, and quietly resting and trusting in God's providence. Also, a long walk outdoors every day is very beneficial, as moderate exercise of at least 45 minutes causes the brain to release the "feel-good" chemicals which keeps your mood elevated. I can attest to the truth of that.......I can often tell exactly the moment during my walks when those good chemicals are released!

**********************************************

"Entrust Your Days and Burdens"
****************

Verse 1:

Entrust your days and burdens

To God's most loving hand;

He cares for you while ruling

The sky, the sea, the land.

He that in clouds and tempest

Finds breakthrough for the sun

Will find right pathways for you

Till travelling days are done.

Verse 2:

Rely on God your Savior

And find your life secure.

Make His work your foundation

That your work may endure.

No anxious thought, no worry,

No self-tormenting care

Can win your Father's favor;

His heart is moved by prayer.

Verse 3:

Take heart, have hope, my spirit,

And do not be afraid.

From any low depression,

Where agonies are made,

God's grace will lift you upward

On arms of saving might

Until the sun you hoped for

Delights yoru eager sight.

Verse 4:

Leave all to God's direction;

His wisdom rules for you

In ways to rouse your wonder

At all His love can do.

When His plans are maturing,

Then wonderworking powers

Will banish from your spirit

What gave you troubled hours.

Verse 5:

How blest you heir of heaven

To hear the song resound

Of thanks and jubilation

When you with life are crowned.

In your right hand your maker

Will place the victor's palm,

And for God's great deliverance

You'll sing the victory psalm.

Verse 6:

Lord, till we see the ending

Of all this life's distress,

Faith's hand, love's sinews strengthen,

With joy our spirits bless.

As yours, we have committed

Ourselves into your care

On ways make sure to bring us

To heaven to praise You there.

****************************************

This author of this hymn must have had personal experience with depression. His words in the third verse, "From any low depression, where agonies are made...", are very insightful.

****************************************

This hymn is not found in the Cyberhymnal list.