Here’s an older hymn that I haven’t heard in years! I’m reminded of singing this hymn on Sunday mornings with my Dad leading worship and Judy Lareau at the piano.

Judy’s piano skills were phenomenal. There wasn’t a Sunday that went by that I wasn’t amazed by what she could do at the piano. Judy was my first piano teacher…and what a patient lady she was! I wouldn’t practice as much as I should and I’d fumble through my pieces. But in the end, Judy would encourage me to practice more in the upcoming week and then proceed to give me a star. Not a gold or silver star. It was usually a red or blue star.

As the years progressed, I moved from piano to the organ and when Judy was on vacation, I stepped in as her substitute. Oh boy, were those some stressful Sunday’s for a high school mediocre pianist!

Today’s hymn is a good reminder for each of us that when we are in our most stressful situations, when we are faced with wild tempests, when the night is as dark as it can be, our Savior Jesus is with us and He offers these words of encouragement.

Jesus is the Master of our tempest. He is the Master of our fear. He is the Master of our anguish. He is the Master of our darkest hour. He is the Master of our peace.

When we give to Jesus all that is troubling us, He is able to calm the storm and give us peace. Don’t allow another day to pass without Jesus as your Master. It will make all the difference in the world.

So today, take a look at these lyrics and then, click on the link below to listen to this beautiful old hymn with a twist. I know you’ll enjoy it!

“Master, the Tempest is Raging”

Master, the tempest is raging!
The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o’ershadow with blackness,
No shelter or help is nigh;
Carest Thou not that we perish?
How canst Thou lie asleep,
When each moment so madly is threatening
A grave in the angry deep?

Chorus:

The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will,
Peace, be still!
Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea,
Or demons or men, or whatever it be
No waters can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean, and earth, and skies;
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,
Peace, be still! Peace, be still!
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,
Peace, peace, be still!

Master, with anguish of spirit
I bow in my grief today;
The depths of my sad heart are troubled
Oh, waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish
Sweep o’er my sinking soul;
And I perish! I perish! dear Master
Oh, hasten, and take control.

(Chorus)

Master, the terror is over,
The elements sweetly rest;
Earth’s sun in the calm lake is mirrored,
And heaven’s within my breast;
Linger, O blessèd Redeemer!
Leave me alone no more;
And with joy I shall make the blest harbor,
And rest on the blissful shore

(Chorus)[i]

Click here to listen to Jessy Dixon’s version of this beautiful hymn.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] “Master, the Tempest is Raging,” Words by Mary A. Baker and Music by Horatio R. Palmer, 1874.