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Friday, April 25, 2008

Bridge Over Troubled Water.....


This morning I woke up absolutely weary. I was feeling weary in a physical sense due to illness, worry, and lack of sleep. I felt weary spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. I gathered up my gumption to get out of bed and tend to this days needs when all I really wanted to do was lay there, head under the covers and croon a snip of an old tune that says, "Make the world go away, get off of my shoulders!" The thought of the fact that both husband and daughter had climbed out of bed and gone to work, knowing they were
both weary too, gave me strength to do the same. Although I did stay under the covers for a few minutes to just pray to be able to get through the day.

You know how on some days you just think you need God with skin on, that real person who reflects Him but has an audible voice to respond to your need, so you call up a friend? Well, that was what I thought I needed. I called one of my two amigos and got her answering machine, left a brief message and then dialed the other one to get no answer. A friend could just not be found at that particular moment. I turned to my friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24) and told Him my need.


As I was working around the house a song kept coming to mind. I could only remember the first part but I could hear it plain as day as if Simon and Garfunkel were in my head, one playing the piano and the other singing. I usually don't like it when a song gets stuck in there as it takes up all my thinking. But today I just listened to it over and over and over. The words washed over me like a healing soothing balm for my tired heart, body, and spirit. I went to my computer and looked up the lyrics and then over to You Tube to hear it. It was there in the secular that I met the sacred.

The song, Bridge Over Troubled Water, was written by Paul Simon in 1969.
It started as a modest Gospel hymn but became more dramatic as he put it together. He based the lyrics on a line, "I'll be your bridge over deep water if you trust in me.", by Swan Silvertones. This song was written about providing comfort to a person in need. Paul had his wife, Peggy, on his mind as he penned the lyrics. He said she was going through a trying time. This explains one mysterious line in the hymn, "Sail on Silvergirl, Sail on by", which refers to Peggy who had begun to have silver strands in her hair and was meant in jest. But, he tenderly follows that jest up with these words, "I'm sailing right behind you." , which in today's terms could be said as, "I've got your back. I'm behind you all the way. I believe in you."

Paul wrote this song for Art Garfunkel to sing. Art was reluctant and wanted Paul to sing it but finally agreed to try it. Art attempted the lead vocal on two occasions but he wasn't satisfied with the results. He went to St. Bartholomew's Church, at 109 E. 50th St., in Manhattan, two blocks from the recording
studio and sat and thought about the song. That day he nailed the lead vocal. This song went on to be a huge success and has been recorded by many other famous artists.

Take a moment to soak in these lyrics:

When you are weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;
I'm on your side, when times get rough
And friends just can't be found,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.

When you're down and out,
When you're on the street,
When evening falls so hard

I will comfort you.
I'll take your part.
When darkness comes
And pain is all around,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water,
I will lay me down.

Sail on silvergirl,
Sail on by.
Your time has come to shine.
All your dreams are on their way.
See how they shine.
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind.

Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind.

I truly wanted to weep at the sweetness of this song as I pictured my forever friend, Jesus, serenading me with these soothing words.photo source

This song is full of Biblical references. Jesus became that bridge as He laid down His life for us (John 3:16). "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends..." (John 15:13-14) When we need a bridge to get across the waters of affliction Scripture says, " When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you..." "Since you are precious in my sight...I have loved you...Fear not: for I am with you..." (Isaiah 43:1-5) He is that bridge over troubled water.

When tears are in our eyes, He will dry them all, "...and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.." (Isaiah 25:8) He deems our tears so precious that he collects them in a bottle, not one slips by unnoticed, He, "put my tears into His bottle..." (Psalm 56:8). He cares what sorrow or what joy caused them to flow.

The lyrics go on to say that when you are down and out, when darkness comes and pain is all around, I will comfort you, that is so like Jesus, it is exactly what He does. He give us light in our dark times, "For you are my lamp, O Lord, and the Lord will lighten my darkness." (2 Samuel 22:29) He also never leaves us without comfort, " I will pray to the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, (this refers to the Holy Spirit), that he may abide with you for ever." (John 14:16) "You shall...comfort me on every side." (Psalm 71:21)

You can almost feel the crescendo's climax in the final stanza of the song, Your time has come to shine, All your dreams are on the way, See how they shine. This is a picture of Isaiah 60 where Scripture begins, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." This chapter of the Bible talks about the abundant access we have in Him and through His word and offers hope of great blessings after a short affliction! Because that is what our troubles here are, light and momentary, even though they do not seem so as we walk through them. We are encouraged to not lose heart even when we feel we are wasting away, but are to renew our inward being day by day by fixing our eyes upon Jesus, the unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-17) Focusing on Him, eases our mind.

When Art took his inability to get it right on his own to the church where he sat at the foot of the cross, fixing his attention on the meaning of the words and the act of Jesus becoming a bridge, something in him shifted. As he returned to the studio, it is quoted that he, "nailed the lead vocal." That is what we have to do too, nail those thoughts and feelings that are giving us trouble in dealing with our situation or circumstance to the cross and leave them there. Let Him bear the burden as we sail on by with Him right behind.

Maybe some of you are feeling weary too, times are rough, or pain seems to be all around, I invite you to rest in the One who has got your back, who is behind you all the way, who believes in you, who loves you so much He gave up His very life for you. Let Him carry you over the troubled water, let Him dry your tears, let Him ease your mind, and erase your fears. He will be your bridge over troubled water if you will trust in Him. I did.






Smooth Sailin',
Miss Sandy

21 comments:

Lori said...

Miss Sandy, i hope that today has found your grandmother feeling better...i have always loved this song so much...i always brings tears to my eyes when i think about the deeper meaning in the lyrics...the tone of Art's voice singing the beautiful words is so clear and pure, this is one of those songs i could listen to over and over...thanks for sharing...

Gerry said...

Life can really give you some setbacks...usually when you least expect it. Your song and comparison of the Saviour as our bridge was so comforting me to me, especially after the last few weeks. I will pray for rest because I know that things look brighter when one is not so tired. Hopefully, your grandmother will see the wisdom of the doctors as she contemplates a new move. Change is never easy.

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

Miss Sandy, thank you for your beautiful words. I now have the song singing in my head and it is lovely. I hope better days are ahead of you and thank you again for your wonderful pen.

Simply Shelley said...

Hello, thanks so much...a beautiful song...I remember singing it as a child. I still love it.I never knew the story of how it came to be written. I pray your spirit is lifted and you are feeling much better. You are so right about this song being full of biblical references. A beautiful post, thanks so much for sharing...

Blessings to you,Shelley

Anonymous said...

Before I stopped by I was feeling tender and now after reading this post, I am more so. I thank God for the inspiration for this song. I can't help but think that in your writing this, you were ministered by our Lord's Spirit!

Vee said...

Thank you, Miss Sandy, for being open to the Spirit's nudging today. Those comparisons and analogies were inspired and perfect for me to read at close of day as I am about to climb the stairs for bed. Yes, times can be so tough, but we know who is going ahead of us. Blessings to you...

Anonymous said...

This song got me thru alot in the past!! Denise Mass.

Anonymous said...

I had to grab a tissue...

I just sat with my eyes closed and let the Lord minister to me through this song!

Thanks for getting up today and sharing this!! ♥

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Hi Miss Sandy,
I don't know why Jesus would die for someone like me but He did! He's always there for me even when I ignore Him. Thank God, He's always there!
Hugs, Sherry

The Feathered Nest said...

Dear Sandy, what a precious post...I have always loved this song!! I do pray that you are feeling better sweet friend. Thank you for always sharing your beautiful words and thoughts with us. As you type, you minister to yourself, and as we read, you minister to so many others....much love & hugs, xxoo, Dawn

Anonymous said...

Dear Miss Sandy,

You and your sweet grandmother are in my prayers. I pray for peace in such an uncertain time. Your words are always so inspiring and warm~hearted. I am sending you a warm hug x 2 for your gramma.

Karen Eileen

Becky K. said...

Miss Sandy,
The Lord also used a song in my life this week. I am going to have surgery that probably will be rather complicated...as per the Doctor. I was pondering that when I was suddenly drawn to the words on the radio. "God will take care of you." I sang along and was pleasantly reminded of this wonderful fact. The next day...again my mind had drifted to the apprehensions when all of a sudden there is was again...this time on a different radio station..."God will take care of you".

I am thankful that He is one that is even closer than our friends with skin. He was in the car with me and He was there with you whispering words of peace. Don't you just love that?

I am so thankful for your post and hope and pray for you as you go on this journey with your health issues. Thanks for reminding us of the "Bridge over Troubled Waters!"

Love,
Becky K.

Rue said...

Beautiful post Sandy :)

I'm sorry you were feeling that way in the first place, but so glad that you were able to find comfort.

Have a beautiful Sunday,
rue

Fete et Fleur said...

Miss Sandy,
This is beautifully written as always. I've been praying for strength and peace to fill your heart and the heart of your beloved grandmother.

I joyously anticipate the day we see Him face to face and our tears are dried and love is fulfilled.

Hugs Dear One,
Nancy

bluemuf said...

Miss Sanday, Once again your have post a beautiful, uplifting post. I am so grateful that you share this with us.

Hugs Karen

Rosa said...

Hi Miss Sandy,
Thank you for sharing a day in your life even if it started out not that great...thanks also for sharing the beautiful lyrics of the song with us.
I just e-mailed you to thank you for the wonderful gifts I received in your giveaway...I am very lucky, indeed!
Have a great Sunday.
Hugs,

Rosa

Bonita said...

I hope you're feeling much better. This is a great post and the pictures are so touching.

Thank you so much for the tea site you shared with me. It's so awesome!

kari and kijsa said...

Beautiful post! Have a blessed Sunday,
smiles,
kari & kijsa

Irma's Rose Cottage said...

What a beautiful post.
In reading the lyrics and your post brought such sweet calm.
Hope you are feeling better and thanks so much for sharing.

Hugs:)

Irma

Anonymous said...

Beautifully written as always! Vicki Page

Decor To Adore said...

When I was in college my roomate Gina introduced me to S & G. On my last birthday I bought myself a gift of their greatest hits cd. There music is like coming home.
Recently, when my daughter was going through the break up of her first love and I was trying my hardest to help heal her heart "Bridge" gave us both comfort. Thanks for sharing.

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