I love songs that help us know and memorize scripture. I am learning a new worship song titled Made Me Glad. It's lyrics are straight from scripture. The words provide truth we can trust, courageously venturing out of our comfort and into a deeper faith journey. The first time I heard this song my heart stopped. It took me back to my childhood. Let me take you there...
I am the youngest child in our family. During my growing up, I often heard arguing in our home. There were fights between my dad and mom and my dad and my paternal grandfather. These fights would eventually end in icy stonewalled silence that could last for days. Eventually someone would give in but issues were seldom resolved, truly forgiven or reconciled. No one asked for forgiveness. With time life would go back to the way it was before the argument. But I always knew there would be another argument that would result in the same outcomes. There were threats of divorce, hateful words, tears, depression and a deep sadness.
As a child in this home, I thought my heart would die. I did everything I could to restore and make life better. It is funny some of the things a child does to create stability in their life. More than anything else, I wanted my family to love one another.
One evening after one of these fights, I came across a devotional. The scripture was Psalm 46:1. These words flooded my soul and have never left me. It says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble." Comfort and peace literally jumped off the page and wrapped me tightly as I cried out to God for help. Home didn't really change that much but God's comfort and help kept me.
God has always been and always will be my refuge and strength.... My always present, never leaving, completely available help in any trouble, pain, hurt or circumstance I face.
Today I am living testimony to the truth of Papa's Word. I want everyone to know Him the way I do. This passion and burden for you, your friends, my friends and this community drives me. I know just a small piece of who God is and I can't get enough of Him.
Friends, please "humble yourselves, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you," I Peter 5:6-7. He is crazy about you. He wants all of you. He is trustworthy, faithful and true.
1 comment:
My maiden name was Cathy Turner, but not the speed skater. I'm married now (28) years, and go to an Orthodox Presbyterian Church. I've been a believer since I was little, but wandered away. In 1994 God got my attention (the hard way) and now I know I'm a sinner saved by grace. God Bless!
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