There is a Balm in Gilead

There is a Balm in Gilead. African American spiritual, 19th century. This hymn is based on Jeremiah 8: 22: ‘Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there?’ The answer that is given back is a robust affirmative: There is a Balm in Gilead, To make the wounded whole, There is a Balm in Gilead, To heal the sin-sick soul. This refrain is repeated, and then interwoven with three stanzas: Sometimes I feel discouraged, And think my work’s in vain, But then the Holy Spirit Revives my soul again.                         There is a Balm in Gilead... Don’t ever feel discouraged, For Jesus is your friend, And if you lack for knowledge, He’ll ne’er refuse to lend...