Thriving Through Turmoil

Thomas Tallis lived in turbulent times. He grew up in England during the reign of Henry VIII, who led England out of the Catholic Church and formed the Anglican Church. Henry’s successor, Edward XI, embraced a more radical Protestantism. And when Mary became Queen, she restored Catholicism in a short but violent reign. Then the pendulum swung back when Elizabeth I reinstituted Protestantism.

During these changing times, wars were fought, and many people lost their lives. Tallis, as a church musician, might have felt like a pawn in this great political game, adapting to new rules and seeking to survive the often dangerous swings of the pendulum. Yet Tallis thrived, becoming the most important English composer of the 16th century. What were the keys to his longevity and success?

Perhaps we can gain insight by examining his most highly regarded composition, “Spem in alium,” called by scholars “a spectacular motet.” The Latin title comes from the opening phrase, “I have never put my hope in any other but You, God of Israel.”

The evidence points to Psalm 130 as the inspiration of this music. It was a psalm written by a man who, like Tallis, faced turmoil and life-threatening problems.

When he had problems, the psalmist responded by crying out to God. It wasn’t a weak, shallow cry, but a cry from the depths of his soul. If answers didn’t come right away, he waited expectantly for God. He didn’t become discouraged or give up. Instead, he continually hoped in God and humbled himself, making sure his heart was clean and freed from sin.

Today, do you have needs? Do you feel like you’re in deep waters? Cry out to God. Commit your needs to Him. Wait on Him. Trust in Him. And never give up!