Today is Sunday, and the worship service at church this morning was great! Even amidst the glitches and craziness I deal with every Sunday morning as the worship leader and sound/video supervisor, I still managed to have a wonderful worship experience. I had a few extra minutes of freedom when the service was all done. Usually, I'm trying to keep track of my 2-year-old and grab up all my stuff before we head out to the parking lot. But today, since he was home, sick with his daddy, I was a bit more leisurely. I got in the car, cranked up my praise music, and continued to worship on my way home. The Holy Spirit flowed through that car......as a drove, I looked up at the majestic view that I am spoiled to see each and every day. Living in Colorado is very, very easy on the eyes! I drove, I sang, I reflected, I smiled......I was basking in the glory and joy of the Lord.......and then suddenly......my mind was pulled in another direction.
In an instant, my head was flooded with thoughts of those who were sick....persecuted.....being threatened, beaten, and killed. Those whose countries were being ripped apart by war, those who had seen more gore and horror than many of us will ever experience, and those who had experienced deep and profound loss. My heart ached for them......and then I asked myself a question....
"Could I still bring myself to the place of basking in the glory and joy of the Lord if I were in a situation like that?"
Whoa. I'd even shocked my myself in asking such a forward question.
I spent some time thinking about this......was I on a high because I was feeling good, or because I was acknowledging the goodness of God? Could I still witness to his goodness if my life were......not so good? If my life were different....if I were being persecuted, or I was in constant pain......could I still smile? Could I still worship? Could I still bask in that inexpressible joy? Would I? Oh man....I surely hope so! I hope I never find myself in any of those situations, but I would like to think that if I did......even in the midst of pain and suffering and injustice and fear (especially those things), that I would cling all the more closely to my Savior......and that my situation, no matter how dire or bleak would not hinder my praise or my ability - no - my desire...... to acknowledge my God.
Situations and circumstances change.....sometimes quickly, sometimes not. But God....and all his attributes, are unchanging. I pray that I will always choose to bask in his glory, no matter which circumstances I face, because my praise isn't circumstance-based.....it's God-based..... and that's a base that never falters.
Father....in all the earth or in heaven above....there is no one like you. You are sovereign in all senses of the word. How majestic and wonderful you are! You are worthy of all my praise, Lord. May I ever worship and adore you.....
in the sunshine, and in the storm.......
on the triumphant, shining mountaintop, and in the lonesome, dark valley......
in thriving, and in suffering.....
in good health, and in lasting sickness......
in displays of righteousness, and in ordeals of injustice.......
in times of plenty, and in times of need......
in climactic joy, and in deep sorrow.
In ALL things, Lord Jesus, may I always focus on you and not allow my circumstance to cloud the eyes of my heart. May I always remember that you are the source of my joy, and the hope of my future. I know that you love me, and that you want the best for me, and that, no matter what I face, you will work all things in my favor. I know that I am victorious in you, Lord. And in knowing and holding fast to these truths, may my praise forever be..... unhindered. Amen.
In an instant, my head was flooded with thoughts of those who were sick....persecuted.....being threatened, beaten, and killed. Those whose countries were being ripped apart by war, those who had seen more gore and horror than many of us will ever experience, and those who had experienced deep and profound loss. My heart ached for them......and then I asked myself a question....
"Could I still bring myself to the place of basking in the glory and joy of the Lord if I were in a situation like that?"
Whoa. I'd even shocked my myself in asking such a forward question.
I spent some time thinking about this......was I on a high because I was feeling good, or because I was acknowledging the goodness of God? Could I still witness to his goodness if my life were......not so good? If my life were different....if I were being persecuted, or I was in constant pain......could I still smile? Could I still worship? Could I still bask in that inexpressible joy? Would I? Oh man....I surely hope so! I hope I never find myself in any of those situations, but I would like to think that if I did......even in the midst of pain and suffering and injustice and fear (especially those things), that I would cling all the more closely to my Savior......and that my situation, no matter how dire or bleak would not hinder my praise or my ability - no - my desire...... to acknowledge my God.
Situations and circumstances change.....sometimes quickly, sometimes not. But God....and all his attributes, are unchanging. I pray that I will always choose to bask in his glory, no matter which circumstances I face, because my praise isn't circumstance-based.....it's God-based..... and that's a base that never falters.
Father....in all the earth or in heaven above....there is no one like you. You are sovereign in all senses of the word. How majestic and wonderful you are! You are worthy of all my praise, Lord. May I ever worship and adore you.....
in the sunshine, and in the storm.......
on the triumphant, shining mountaintop, and in the lonesome, dark valley......
in thriving, and in suffering.....
in good health, and in lasting sickness......
in displays of righteousness, and in ordeals of injustice.......
in times of plenty, and in times of need......
in climactic joy, and in deep sorrow.
In ALL things, Lord Jesus, may I always focus on you and not allow my circumstance to cloud the eyes of my heart. May I always remember that you are the source of my joy, and the hope of my future. I know that you love me, and that you want the best for me, and that, no matter what I face, you will work all things in my favor. I know that I am victorious in you, Lord. And in knowing and holding fast to these truths, may my praise forever be..... unhindered. Amen.
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