While many of us have a favorite hymn from the beautifully inspired hymns of praise that have touched our hearts and brought tears to our eyes, The Songs of Zion are unique to our Church. They are songs that belong to a new time; they belong to a new era; they belong to our people. They are songs sent from the throne of God as a gift to The Church of Jesus Christ. They are inspirational and related to Christ and His promises of the latter-day times and events. This gift was given to our late Sister Arlene Buffington, as our songs of hope and joy, looking forward to the fulfillment of the kingdom of Zion, bathed in the latter-day glory of the restoration.

Today I’d like to look at No. 88, “He Has Sent My Spirit Peace” by looking at the meaning and application of the song, because it’s too easy to sing without paying attention to the words and their meaning.

88. HE HAS SENT MY SPIRIT PEACE

VERSE 1
The sun that did not shine today will shine for me tomorrow,
For Jesus said that He would come and take away my sorrow.
He said my burden would be light, not more than I could carry.
And I believe what Jesus said, I know He will not tarry.

VERSE 2
Jesus found the little lamb that lost the straight and narrow,
He healed the broken wing He found upon the fallen sparrow.
He placed a child upon His knee and said, “Behold My kingdom.”
And I want to be there with Him so I will strive to be one.

VERSE 3
Jesus said behind the clouds the sun is always shining,
He said the darkest day would have the brightest silver lining,
He said His Spirit He would send to comfort and to guide me.
And tho all else may fail, I know His word will stand beside me.

CHORUS
For He’s been good to me, He’s been good to me,
He has sent my spirit peace, And He’s been good to me.

©1984 Arlene Lea Buffington

I recently attended the funeral of a wonderful brother who passed on to his eternal reward. Anticipating his own death, he desired that this song be sung by those who gathered to celebrate his life and love for the Lord and His Church. It’s a song of comfort and peace, a song of remembrance of the goodness of God in our lives. 

Here are a few scripture references that reinforce the message of this song:

The first verse reminds us that:

• Life isn’t perfect every day, and despite the clouds that sometimes shadow our lives, there is always hope of the sun shining tomorrow. 
• Jesus said that He would come and take away our sorrow. “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows…” (Isaiah 53:4). 
• He said our burdens would be light, not more than we could carry. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me… For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30). 
• Through His Word, we are content and confident in Jesus, “… for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

The second verse reminds us that:

• “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way…” (Isaiah 53:6), but when we lose our way, He is always there for us. 
• When we are broken, lost, or gone astray, Jesus says, “… will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you? … if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me” (3 Nephi 9:13-14).
• Our desire should be to continually seek Him out.

Finally, the third verse reminds us that:

• Despite challenges, setbacks, and obstacles in life, even through the darkest day, if we “… press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. … feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end” (2 Nephi 31:20)…
• …the outcome is sure: “thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” (2 Nephi 31:20)
• We simply need to, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

And the chorus:

• “For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” (Psalms 100:5)
• “… for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)

I encourage you, especially during times of hardship or difficulty in life, to pause and seek the Lord’s peace in prayer and meditation.

In the words of Jesus, in the midst of life’s storms, He will bring you peace: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

May God bless you

If you’re interested in learning more about the Songs of Zion, listening to the Songs or downloading them, here’s a link to the church website: Church Songs and Music