It's probably no surprise to anyone that knows me that music can get to me like no other. When I'm happy, I whistle or sing a tune. When I'm sad, I like to listen to worship music, classical, or some "fun" music. I love to be in the car by myself, on a roadtrip, windows down and sunroof open, music blaring so loud that it drowns out the wind and me as I sing at the top of my lungs. I have songs that mark certain times in my life or songs that remind me of certain people. And in church on Sunday, I am easily brought into the presence of God by good worship!!
One of my new favorite groups is 33 Miles. They are a Christian group, but have that country-ish sound. I call them my Christian Rascal Flatts. Anyways, my new song you're listening to is from them. I think it's on their second album. As I listened to this song for the first time, it was through many tears streaming down my cheeks. Even now, hearing it for the umpteenth time, the message of the song gets to me. Every person can use the message of this song, maybe not right now, but look out! As a Christian we are not promised a perfect life and mine is far from that right now! But what God does promise each of us is that as the struggles and pain comes our way, He promises to be there right beside us guiding, leading, loving, surprising us with His peace and presence. As I listen to the chorus, I imagine that God is speaking directly to me and I imagine that these are words that He would be speaking into my life right now. Do you hear Him talking to you today? Even if you need a quick reminder, He's talking to you and saying... "I loved you then, I love you now, I will love tomorrow. When this world breaks you down, I will give you strength to stand. Look to Me, take My hand and just believe...before this day ever began, I loved you then!!"
God, on this journey of life, thank you for giving me reminders like this that constantly play in my mind and heart. I am ever surrounded by Your promises and grateful that the God of my childhood and early beliefs is that same God that is here with me in my mid-30's. It's even better though because I do have the pain and struggles and storms of life that have come my way that deepen my faith, give me a new glimpse into who You are, and allow me to appreciate the way You love, the way You protect and care for, and the way You're always on my side and in my corner, fighting for me and over me. Oh that I may continue to be reminded and show others that You are the reason for strength and grace and peace and quiet calm. I am ever grateful for Your reminders of love that come in all forms!! I am looking, I am taking that hand and grasping on for dear life, and I believe that what one of my favorite worship songs says is true: You are God and You are good. (And for you LU people let me hear you...God is good-all the time-and all the time-God is good!!)
Laura's 2nd Birthday
15 years ago
4 comments:
Now I'm going to go have to listen to the song!! I'm TOTALLY with you...nothing can bring me quicker into the worshiping presence of God than music!! I have done the exact same thing...listening to a song, tears streaming down my face...in fact, I remember that happening a few months ago to me as YOU were leading us in worship at Kids Thang, and I couldn't help it...tears poured down my face with how you had lead us all (yes, the adults, too!) into the most amazing worship with our Saving Father! LOVED this blog, love your heart and you KNOW we love you dearly!!!!!
Wow Jayne....what an awesome song. I am a totaly music lover too and there is nothing better than the music that helps us greow closer to God and reminds us of his great and mighty love for us.....awesome post!
I haven't heard this song before, but I love it and can see myself wanting to listen to it over and over again. The Lord often gives me special songs like that during times that I truly need to hear the same message over and over again. The Lord has many times ministered to me through music, especially during lifes most trying times. I know exactly what you mean, trials and tough times DO make us stronger, they have the potential to deepen our faith and our walk if we'll let them. I think that's why we can often look back and say we wouldn't change a thing, even if it was terrible. Praying that you will continue to see the Lord work in many ways in your life!
What a heartfelt and much needed blog. Thanks, Jayne! Praying for you and your family. And, I am with you on the music. It speaks to my heart like nothing else.
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