In Ancient Times Came a Balm- The Balm of Gilead

In ancient times came a balm
For healing and for calm
From out of Gilead it came
And was asked for by name

In our day of disorders
Many are cured or ordered
And much can be prevented
If what's inside is tended

As for good health there are rules
Rest and exercise are useful tools
For maintained quality of lifestyles
And for preventing growing stress piles

But, this does not seem to be enough
Our minds can make life real tough
And how stuck thoughts will manifest
Into ill health all of us can attest

My message is an appeal
To those who feel at ill
My message is a kind plea
To those who know not peace

There is a spirit in man
Which can become ill and sad
And as we are prone to sin
Obedience is the best medicine

If you suffer from worry
Or cannot control fury
All these negative thoughts
Clutter up like junk lots

Put up a "no dumping" sign
And to God's laws realign
What's inside can be healed
As our bad thoughts are stilled

And the cure's found in prayer
May we oft be found there
To find soothing and healing
And be spiritually feeling

If we've a troubling heartache
Or are burdened by a mistake
Prayer's as though a transfusion
To ease and end confusion

And those "oughts" that were in control
Seem petty as we're freed from their toll
And the beam lifts from our eyes
So we see beautiful skies

There is strength as we gain understanding
That the Lord's inside us for our standing
And as the Prince of Peace, He knows our pain
And would that we pray and take on His name

The more we've His Spirit and the Comforter
We are more eased of disease and disorder
Forgive, forget and leave it alone
And, be grateful that our Lord did atone

There is a healing balm
That has to be applied
Our Lord can heal and calm
And, through prayer it is supplied

Boyd K. Packer
The Balm of Gilead
New Era, Aug 1979 36

Jer. 8: 22
Is there no balm in Gilead;
is there no physician there?
why then is not the health
of the daughter of my people recovered?