In 1897, Jessie B. Pounds awoke one Sunday morning not feeling well. So her husband, to whom she had only been married a few short weeks, readied himself and went to worship services alone. Jessie, home alone, began to ponder on heaven, and by the time her husband returned she had penned the words to this beautiful hymn.
Somewhere the sun is shining,
Somewhere the songbirds dwell;
Hush, then, thy sad repining,
God lives, and all is well.
Somewhere the day is longer,
Somewhere the task is done;
Somewhere the heart is stronger,
Somewhere the guerdon won.
Somewhere the load is lifted,
Close by an open door;
Somewhere the clouds are rifted,
Somewhere the angels sing.
Somewhere, somewhere,
Beautiful Isle of Somewhere!
Land of the true, where we live anew,
Beautiful Isle of Somewhere!
I love this song and its message. And though Mrs. Pounds may have been thinking of our eternal abode in Heaven I believe that this beautiful Isle can be found here on earth and it is the church of our Lord. And those of us in the church can take courage in knowing that God is alive and all is well. Jesus encouraged His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3). And He further invited all men here on earth to come to Him. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
In this life we can often become discouraged. But God tells us to, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philippians 4:6). And God promises a peace that passes all understanding that keeps the hearts and minds of those who are obedient and faithful (verse 7). We are instructed to cast all of our cares upon Him. Why, because He, “…cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
In Christ the sun is indeed shining, the day is longer, and the load is lifted! So do not worry The Beautiful Isle is found in Christ and in His church. What a blessing it is to be part of the kingdom of God. Are you a Christian? Be faithful!