There Is a Balm in Gilead

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psa. 23:3

We remember our choir singing this song and loved their facial expressions and how their voices harmonized. We thank Lynn Orlando for suggesting this comforting song.

See explanations for this song in the note typed after the music sheet below.

There Is a Balm in Gilead

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.

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.”
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Note:
Source: hymnary.org/text/sometimes_i_feel_discouraged_spiritual

In the Old Testament, Gilead was the name of the mountainous region east of the Jordan River. This region was known for having skillful physicians and an ointment made from the gum of a tree particular to that area. Many believed that this balm had miraculous powers to heal the body.

In the book of Jeremiah, God tells the people of Israel that though many believe in the mysterious healing power of this balm, they can’t trust in those powers for spiritual healing or as a relief of their oppression. He reminds them that He is ultimately in control, and only He can relieve their suffering.

In the New Testament, God answers the suffering of His people by sending His own Son to take our place. Jesus becomes our “balm in Gilead.” It is Him we are called to turn to in our times of trial for healing and comfort. We sing this song with that assurance: no matter our hardships or supposed shortcomings, Jesus loves us enough to take our suffering upon Himself.

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