On the stormy Sea of Galilee, Jesus commanded the winds and waves, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39, KJV), and immediately there was calm. Later in the upper room, as Jesus told his disciples that he would leave them, he promised them the Holy Spirit and peace.
Manie Payne, born in Carlow, Ireland, was a Christian, but she did not know peace. She struggled with her sinful nature until she began to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit. This is the “blessed quietness” that she wrote about. Now, she was so happy she could hardly contain herself. Indeed, joy was flowing like a river in her life.
Later she married T. P. Ferguson and founded Peniel Missions, with branches in Egypt, China, and the United States.
Scriptures: Luke 4:29-30; John 14:25-27; Galatians 5:22
Themes: Holy Spirit, Peace, Assurance
Lyrics of the Hymn:
Joys are flowing like a river
Since the Comforter has come.
He abides with us forever,
Makes the trusting heart His home.
Blessed quietness, holy quietness,
What assurance in my soul!
On the stormy sea He speaks peace to me,
How the billows cease to roll!
Bringing life and health and gladness
All around this heav’nly Guest
Banished unbelief and sadness,
Changed our weariness to rest.
Like the rain that falls from heaven,
Like the sunlight from the sky,
So the Holy Ghost is given,
Coming on us from on high.
See, a fruitful field is growing,
Blessed fruit of righteousness;
And the streams of life are flowing
In the lonely wilderness.
What a wonderful salvation,
Where we always see His face!
What a perfect habitation,
What a quiet resting place!
By MANIE PAYNE FERGUSON (1850–1932)
Credit/Reference for the Hymn:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (p. 292). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
