how can i keep from singing

This song is one of my favorites because of its simplicity, and it's been on my heart a lot lately. It has special meaning because I am a musician; I can't imagine my life without music. But more than that, I am an optimist. I will be joyful and praise God in the midst of it all. And I will cling to this hope.

I accompany two children's choirs at my church, and "How Can I Keep From Singing" was in my folder the first day of rehearsal last fall. Just a few weeks ago, they sang it for Sunday services. (Three, in fact, instead of the usual one - even more worshipers heard them that day!) How special to hear their sweet, pure (usually-in-tune) voices join together in these words!

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 finds 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 refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of Heav’n and earth,
How can I keep from singing?

I lift mine eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smoothes
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?

While this isn't my favorite version, I do love Eva Cassidy!
How Can I Keep From Singing - Eva Cassidy