“Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise! For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth” — Psalm 47:1-2 (NLT)
“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.” — Psalm 66:16 (ESV)
Amen! I absolutely love worshiping God in music. This past weekend, we celebrated the release of The Rock Music’s newest album “Your Love Remains.” The entire weekend was such a beautiful picture of heaven. God’s people coming together to recount what God has done — to clap their hands and shout joyful praise to the Him. The One who initiated relationship with us. I’m convinced there is nothing on this earth quite like corporate worship. Humble and passionate praise of Jesus, together with the Saints.
Coming together like that is what my heart longs for (and I can’t wait until we will do it forever in eternity). But, I am also so grateful for the moments of intimate worship I get alone with my Savior as I listen to music on my headphones. Whether it’s driving in my car, sitting at my desk at work, or even walking through a grocery store, I love it.
One particular song on the new album has been a go-to track for me; it has deeply resonated with my soul. Multiple times now, singing and reflecting on its truth, I’ve been brought to tears. The song is, “Good to Me” and I would like to share some of the observations of my heart. My prayer is that it would encourage you.
The song begins with these words, “Peace, surround me in your presence now. May your rivers of grace wash over me.”
When I reflect on the depravity of my own heart and flesh (left to its devices and desires), I am flabbergasted that Jesus would ever want anything to do with me. Apart from Jesus there is NO peace, whatsoever. There is only guilt, shame, fear, and chaos. The only true and lasting peace I have ever known is found at the feet of Jesus. Only there can I find peace, mercy, and grace.
I’m granted rest knowing that my life depends not on what I have done (or what I will do), but on what Jesus did on the Cross. When I lose sight of that and am hit with lies of condemnation, this prayer will be the cry of my heart. “May the river of His grace freshly wash over me.” O God, You truly are good to me!
The second verse ends with, “May all weeds that grow in my soul be cut at the root. And change me so I fully know, that life is in You.”
I may say it a lot, but I am so thankful for God’s patient love and grace in my life. How easily I can get distracted by the bright lights and loud sounds of this world. But, even with my wandering heart, God pours out His goodness on me (James 1:17). Over and over my Savior is so loving and gentle to meet me and tug at the “weeds” in my heart. He graciously prompts me that life is not found in the “weeds”. I can only be satisfied by Him (Psalm 16:2), and He will be there again to warn me until the day that I “fully know” it. These words must be a constant prayer of my heart if I am not to be overgrown by the world’s weeds. “Jesus, You are SO good to me!”
King David put it this way in Psalm 27:13, “Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.”
What a truly amazing God we serve. Praise be to Him, alone! If you haven’t done it already, I hope that you will grab a copy of this new album of worship music. It will be a blessing to your heart and soul.
May we reflect on His goodness in our lives as we worship Him this week!
Caleb
Posted in A Word from the Pastor