Jeremiah 8 - There Is A Balm In Gilead

 "Is there no balm in Gilead,
Is there no physician there?
Why then is there no recovery

For the health of the daughter of my people?" (Jer 8:22 NKJV)

 

Today our reading reminds me of another popular hymn. At the least, it is a favorite of mine. 

Jeremiah grieves for the people of God who are heading for destruction. Been there. Done that. Do it all the time. Such a sad thing to watch God's children following on a path of destruction. Jeremiah asks: "Is there no balm in Gilead?"

 

The balm of Gilead was actually the resin of a tree found in Gilead that was used as a healing ointment. (Bringing back memories of my father using the sap of the balsam tree to heals cut and abrasions - but I digress!) 

 

Jeremiah wonders if there is a cure for the hurt that the people live in and will encounter even more fully as they have wandered away from God. He asks, "Is there a balm in Gilead?" The answer to that question is heard in the African American Spiritual of the same name. I could not find the name of an author for this hymn as it was sung in early America and now today. It was born out of a time of much trial and suffering and was and is a reminder that the only balm to be found for the suffering soul was and is the love of God through Jesus Christ, our LORD.
 

Refrain

There is a balm in Gilead
To make the wounded whole
There is a balm in Gilead
To heal the sin-sick soul

Sometimes I feel discouraged
And think my work's in vain
But then the Holy Spirit
Revives my soul again Refrain

Don't ever feel discouraged
For Jesus is your friend
And if you lack of knowledge
He'll ne'er refuse to lend Refrain

If you cannot preach like Peter
If you cannot pray like Paul
You can tell the love of Jesus
And say, "He died for all." Refrain
 

I'm thinking we're going to be singing this at Zion again, soon, as I remember Bertha singing this to us at our last Worship and Music Committee meeting. If you live locally, hopefully, I will see you there! And, if you don't... attend worship wherever you are so that you might be reminded of God's love for you and receive (the balm of Gilead) the healing power of the Spirit of Christ.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J