Stir the Waters

The Pool of Bethesda [buh THEZ duh] in Jerusalem is one of the many places where Jesus performed miraculous healings during His three years of ministry before His crucifixion on a Roman cross. This New Testament story can be found in the Gospel of John, chapter 5, verses 1 through 18.

Although the story we are reading tells us there was a man needing healing, it does not reveal what his infirmity was. However, it does tell us he had been ill for thirty-eight years. And many times, he had wanted to get into the Pool of Bethesda because it was known for its healing properties whenever its waters were stirred.

Jesus saw the man there and asked him if he wanted to be healed. He told Jesus that he did not have anyone to help him get into the pool when the water was moving. Jesus told him to get up, pick up his mat and walk. The man followed Jesus’ instructions and was healed!

I have used this biblical narrative as a springboard to examine beyond the man’s physical incapacity to walk. What I am attempting to do with my poem/lyrics is to explore his and everyone’s need for spiritual healing.

STIR THE WATERS
by Connie Carlisle Polley

Chorus:
Stir the waters
With the power of your grace.
Stir the waters
Over everything I face.
My doubts, my fears, my long-lost soul
I hand to You today.
Stir the waters,
Stir the waters,
Lord, I pray.

Verse 1:
Like the lame one at Bethesda’s Pool
I lay crippled by my sin.
But no one stopped to lift me up
Or help me to get in . . .
Yet the God of grace and mercy
Saw my anguish on that day.
And through His Word I was set free
To walk a dif’frent Way.

Verse 2:
Near the waters at Bethesda’s Pool.
Don’t stay crippled by your sin.
Allow the Lord to lift you up
And free you from within . . .
See the God of grace and mercy
Ease the anguish of your day.
And through His Word you’ll be set free
To walk a dif’frent Way.

Final Chorus:
Stir the waters
With the power of your grace.
Stir the waters
Over everything I face.
My doubts, my fears, my long-lost soul
I hand to You today.
Stir the waters,
Stir the waters,
Lord, I pray.