Some of the people I love most in the world are suffering terribly right now. Terribly. And don’t get me started on the dismal condition of our country. If I were to choose a piece of music that matches my mood, it would be Barber’s “Adagio for Strings.”

But here’s my situation. I’m playing the piano for my friends, John and Barb, who will soon perform the lovely hymn entitled (wouldn’t you know it?) “How Can I Keep from Singing?” It’s quite an earworm. I subconsciously sing it all day every day.

And I shake my head every single time. What a discrepancy. Profound sadness and concern on one hand. “How Can I Keep from Singing?” on the other.

I’m guessing God did this for me on purpose. He loves with an everlasting love. I’m counting on that for my loved ones…and myself…even when I can’t see through the clouds.

Here are the words, written by Robert Wadsworth Lowry in 1869.

My life flows on in endless song
Above earth’s lamentation
I hear the sweet though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing.
It sounds an echo in my soul
How can I keep from singing?

What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?

I lift my eyes, the cloud grows thin,
I see the blue above it.
And day by day this pathway smooths,
Since first I learned to love it.

The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his.
How can I keep from singing?