It was a little over ten years ago that I first heard the song. This was the time that I also was in the midst of chemotherapy treatment for the first go around with cancer. It was also in the midst of what we viewed of as the "terrible five". Five years of trials that we described like being at the ocean, swept under by the waves and only getting enough time to come up for air just to be swept under again. This was a difficult season in our lives but, looking back now, I can view it as God ordained and fruitful. We have some faithful friends that, during this time, invited us down to Mesa AZ for a visit because, in their words, sounded like we needed a break. So we packed up and took a plane and landed in the sunshine. We were cared for not only by our dear friends but also by their church family. We were physically worn and emotionally fragile. Spiritually, we were at a low point not sure of what to do or which way to go. So when I heard the song that particular Sunday morning at their church it was like a blast of wind driving into my very soul. I could not, for the life of me, get the words out of my mouth to sing. But I knew it was true and it resonated deep. From that day forward to this day it still has an affect on me. It is one of those firm stakes in the ground that I go back to over and over again because I need to.
I was reminded about this song this last Lord's Day as we listened to the preaching of the Word. The pastor mentioned the title of the song in his sermon. The song that he mentioned is "In Christ Alone". Ten years ago I didn't think much of choruses as we were firm believers in just singing hymns. I love the hymns and thought it couldn't get better than that. But the words to this song/chorus is powerful. Just as powerful as the hymns that we would sing. You can hear the song here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ApS9W26eDs&feature=related
There is a particular stanza that jumped out at me all those years ago. It's in the last verse and goes like this: "From life's first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny". All of the song is amazing and true but ten years ago seeing those words on the screen sucked the air right out of me. It's not that I didn't know that or believe that but it was one of those moments where it changed me. I believe in the Sovereignty of God and that His purposes cannot fail. This has helped so many times throughout the years knowing that God sees me, knows my name and commands my destiny. In the moments of fear, anxiety or discouragement this phrase has a way of bolstering and making firm something that is not of me but of Him.
Last week, as I sat in the lounger at Compass Oncology, I watched the nurse hook me up to all the bags of medicine that would eventually be coursing through my veins. I heard the tick, tick, tick of the monitor gauging how much should be dripping through. How many tickings of time have their been for me up to this point and the Lord of the Starfields has commanded them all. Spurgeon once said in the devotional "Morning by Morning" that "The same God who directs the earth in its orbit, who feeds the burning furnace of the sun, and trims the lamps of heaven, has promised to supply thee with daily strength.". It is a true and biblical statement that adheres to whatever God commands He will also give the grace to fulfill. So as my life gets into a steady rhythm of good days and not so good days I so want to be trusting that He will give what is needed. Paul even says in Ephesians that He is "able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think".
I have probably sung "In Christ Alone" hundreds of times. And there are still moments that I can't get the words out. Always it resonates deep down giving encouragement for the tomorrows knowing that my gracious heavenly Father commands even my destiny.
Gratefully ~ I Thessalonians 5:24
6/18/12
6/7/12
Being Known
June 3rd found us attending a different church. To make a long story short, we have found it necessary to close the doors of our little church that my husband was the pastor of. This is heartbreaking, to be sure, and a hard providence. But God is still God and He works good things in the hard providences of life. So, this last Sunday morning we were sitting in the third row of another little church. We would normally sit farther back but as we were running a bit late there was no room in the back. One of the reasons that we chose to go to this church was that our son was playing in the worship band. Our oldest daughter and her family also came so we weren't totally unfamiliar to everyone. People were friendly and at one point there was a time to turn around and greet those around you. This we did, sharing names and places. As I turned back around to sit down my thought was: "What was that person's name?" My mind was totally blank. Not only could I not remember the lovely woman sitting behind me but I couldn't remember the name of the man sitting to the right of me. Argh! This has been a problem for me for years. I have tried numerous tricks to remember people's names. Sometimes it has worked but then you have to remember the tricks in order to remember the names. I guess that this is something that I'll have to keep working on.
I was reading in Romans 16 the other day where Paul gives personal greetings to many in the church. This was heartwarming for me as from there my mind wandered to many in the church (not only those who attended our church but to other churches as well) who have served the church in particular capacities and have loved the church and its people. I could also go down a list of names commending them for their gift to the Body of Christ and how they sacrificially gave themselves to the work of the Gospel. These people and names I do remember as I go over what they have done in the name of Christ. There is a familial relationship that is bonded by the fellowship of Jesus and not easily broken by circumstances. From there the concentric circles expand like the life lines on the inside of a tree. So are the people whom I hardly get to see but are, nevertheless, remembered because of past history and the ties that binds. I am so very grateful for all of you. Many are the relationships that have been sweet and encouraging. There is not enough thanks to be given for what I/we have received from you.
As I was thinking and reading how Paul remembered certain people I started thinking about all those 'begats' in the Chronicles of the Old Testament. It has been said that all these names are important and I believe it. Seriously though, I can't be the only one who is tried while reading them and cheats by skimming over them. But there they are ~ hundreds of names right there in God's Holy Word (conviction is present as I write these words!). God's Word is recording people's names. He knows them and makes others know them even down through history. Why would He do that if it wasn't important and for some benefit. To be known by God and called by name is a bit of heaven here on this earth. Every facet of the chosen, our joys and sorrows, are seen by the everlasting eye of God. All those hairs that have fallen from my head were numbered (Matt. 10:30) and the many tears that have been shed over a church closure have been stored up in His bottle (Psalm 56:8). He sees us ~ what a marvel! This brings such comfort to a weary soul and therefore produces a joy that cannot match words. It is no wonder that we can sing this hymn:
"When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, It is well with my soul."
Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief, doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief all have to ask this question: Does God know me? Has He called me by my name? Do I belong to Him? If the answer is "no" then there is need to fear. But if the answer is "yes" then all is well. There is reason to be glad for everything that is needed has been given to us in Christ. There needn't be fear for the future when we remember that Christ goes before us. So, I can press on like the apostle Paul knowing that Christ has made me His own (Phil. 3:12a).
*Update ~ Today is Thursday and usually the day that the chemo hits me. So I'm a bit weak but not uncomfortable. I keep having to say, "huh?" to those who talk to me as I have some ringing in the ears and not hearing so well. Which, sad to say was a problem for me anyway but for now I'm blaming it on the chemo, okay? I want to keep thanking so many who have let me know that they are praying for me/us. Even if I don't respond to your notes I so appreciate you and your kindness (and I do remember your name).
I was reading in Romans 16 the other day where Paul gives personal greetings to many in the church. This was heartwarming for me as from there my mind wandered to many in the church (not only those who attended our church but to other churches as well) who have served the church in particular capacities and have loved the church and its people. I could also go down a list of names commending them for their gift to the Body of Christ and how they sacrificially gave themselves to the work of the Gospel. These people and names I do remember as I go over what they have done in the name of Christ. There is a familial relationship that is bonded by the fellowship of Jesus and not easily broken by circumstances. From there the concentric circles expand like the life lines on the inside of a tree. So are the people whom I hardly get to see but are, nevertheless, remembered because of past history and the ties that binds. I am so very grateful for all of you. Many are the relationships that have been sweet and encouraging. There is not enough thanks to be given for what I/we have received from you.
As I was thinking and reading how Paul remembered certain people I started thinking about all those 'begats' in the Chronicles of the Old Testament. It has been said that all these names are important and I believe it. Seriously though, I can't be the only one who is tried while reading them and cheats by skimming over them. But there they are ~ hundreds of names right there in God's Holy Word (conviction is present as I write these words!). God's Word is recording people's names. He knows them and makes others know them even down through history. Why would He do that if it wasn't important and for some benefit. To be known by God and called by name is a bit of heaven here on this earth. Every facet of the chosen, our joys and sorrows, are seen by the everlasting eye of God. All those hairs that have fallen from my head were numbered (Matt. 10:30) and the many tears that have been shed over a church closure have been stored up in His bottle (Psalm 56:8). He sees us ~ what a marvel! This brings such comfort to a weary soul and therefore produces a joy that cannot match words. It is no wonder that we can sing this hymn:
"When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, It is well with my soul."
Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief, doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief all have to ask this question: Does God know me? Has He called me by my name? Do I belong to Him? If the answer is "no" then there is need to fear. But if the answer is "yes" then all is well. There is reason to be glad for everything that is needed has been given to us in Christ. There needn't be fear for the future when we remember that Christ goes before us. So, I can press on like the apostle Paul knowing that Christ has made me His own (Phil. 3:12a).
*Update ~ Today is Thursday and usually the day that the chemo hits me. So I'm a bit weak but not uncomfortable. I keep having to say, "huh?" to those who talk to me as I have some ringing in the ears and not hearing so well. Which, sad to say was a problem for me anyway but for now I'm blaming it on the chemo, okay? I want to keep thanking so many who have let me know that they are praying for me/us. Even if I don't respond to your notes I so appreciate you and your kindness (and I do remember your name).
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