When Winds Are Raging

 

"And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, "Peace, Be still!"
And the wind ceased and there was a great calm."
(Mark 4:39)

Winter Coast

(1890)

Winslow Homer

(1836-1910)

American painter and illustrator

Image courtesy/ The Metropolitan Museum Of Art

When winds are raging o'er the upper ocean,

And billows wild contend with angry roar,

'Tis said, far down, below the wild commotion,

That peaceful stillness reigneth evermore.

Far, far beneath, the noise of tempests dieth,

And silver waves chime ever peacefully.

And no rude storm, how fierce so e'er it flieth,

Disturbs the Sabbath of that deeper sea.

So to the heart that knows Thy love, O Purest!

There is a temple, sacred evermore,

And all the babble of life's angry voices

Dies in hushed stillness at its peaceful door.

Far, far away, the roar of passion dieth,

And loving thoughts rise calm and peacefully,

And no rude storm, how fierce so e'er it flieth,

Disturbs the soul that dwells, O Lord, in Thee.

O Rest of rests!  O Peace, serene, eternal!

Thou ever livest, and Thou changest, never.

And in the secret of Thy presence dwelleth

Fullness of joy, forever and fore'er.

"When Winds Are Raging"
(1855)
Harriet Beecher Stowe
(1811-1896)
American novelist & hymnwriter
Author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin"