Abide. (And a Song for a Sunday).

"Stop trying; start abiding."
Yesterday, I was going through the papers and notes that collect in my Bible. Out of a desire to want to be in the Word more, I thought perhaps it would help me to not have things falling out of it each time I opened.
I happened upon some old sermon notes and one thing was immediately brought to my attention. It was a quote that said "Stop trying; start abiding" and it really struck a chord with me. Sometimes I get so caught up in "doing" the right things and in the religious practices, that I don't really let God in to do His work. I don't "abide" or dwell with him, but instead think on Him only at the surface. I listen to Christian radio and I sing the songs. I go to church fairly regularly. But I haven't let God get close in a while. I haven't listened for his voice or given access to my heart.
I think it was out of some fear. I came to know Christ on a personal level more than a decade ago, but I fell away from intimacy with Him at some point. I pushed for the things I wanted. I acted selfishly and didn't trust him with my heart and feelings. This left me feeling sort of in control of a few things, but very alone.
Over the past few days, in thinking on the passing of a decade and the beginning of a new one I debated what "goals" I might set for myself. I debated whether or not to post a Happy New Year type of post and whether I should make resolutions and make them public on my blog. At my Church this morning, we were encouraged,for the new year to think on the things the Lord has done for us and instead of making resolutions to read the entire Bible this year or to pray thirty minutes each day (things that we can strive to do), to remain focused on what Christ has done for us. And in so doing, He will respond by drawing us ever closer to Him.
So instead of a resolution to read my Bible everyday or to sing more songs or to pray more, I'm just going to ask God to abide with me more. To forgive me once again, like he did the first time, and to draw me ever closer. To give me a greater desire for His Word and for His Will. It can be a scary thing to trust God with all of the decisions that have to be made and to put ones selfish desires aside, but deep in my heart I know that His way is better than my way. That He has greater purposes than I can fathom. That His plan will prosper me and will give me hope.
And He has already shown himself faithful to me and that he is attentive to what is going on in my heart because he planned such a wonderful encouragement for me today at that same service. One of the worship songs for the morning was (a modernized rock version) of the very old hymn "Abide With Me."

1. Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
   The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
   When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
   Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
2. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
   Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
   Change and decay in all around I see—
   O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
3. I need Thy presence every passing hour;
   What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
   Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
   Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
4. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
   Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
   Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
   I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
5. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
   Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
   Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
   In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me

So in 2010, I am resolute in one thing. That I will abide, in the archaic definition of the word meaning to dwell, with Him more. And that in the abiding , I will yet again hear His voice. That I will be reassured of His grace to me. That I will again feel the closeness. And that I will again come to trust.

P.S. I decided I would post this because I am thankful for the Lord's faithfulness and hope it might be an encouragement to someone else.

A song for Saturday.

This week's is a new song by Matthew West. He wrote it in response to the K-LOVE Valentine's Day Special Song Contest (I don't know the real name of the contest, but its the one they have been holding the last few years and an artist writes a special song for the winners of the contest, tailored to the love story they submit to the radio station.) 

Anyway, I think this one is very sweet and wanted to share in case you haven't heard it. K-LOVE may still have the winner's story posted on their website. So... without further ado: Matthew West's: When I say I do

There must be a God, I believe its true. 

Cause I can see His love, when I look at you. 

And he must have a plan for this crazy life. 

Becuase He brought you here and placed you by my side.

chorus:

And I have never been so sure of anything before, 

Like I am in this momment here with you 

Now for better or for worse are so much more than only words

And I pray everyday will be the proof 

That I mean what I say when I say 'I do'

Yeah I mean what I Say when I say 'I do'

You see these hands you hold, will always hold you up

When the strength you have just aint strong enough 

And what tomorrow brings, only time will tell

But I will stand by you in sickness and in health 

Cause I have never been so sure of anything before 

Like I am in this momment here with you

And now 'for better or for worse' 

Are so much more than only words

And I pray every day will be the proof 

That I mean what I say when I say 'I do' 

Ya I mean what I say when I say 

Take my hand and take this ring

And know that I will always love you through anything.

And as the years march on like a beating heart

I will live these words 'til death do us part'

Cause I have never been so sure of anything before 

Like I am in this moment here with you

And now for better or for worse 

Are so much more than only words 

And I pray everyday will be the proof 

That I mean what I say when I say 'I do'

Ya I mean what I say when I say 'I do'

A song for Saturday.

Before The Throne by Shane and Shane.

We have sung this song at church before. I didn't realize it was on the latest Shane Barnard and Shane Everett CD, Pages, until I finally wrote it down after church one Sunday so I would remember to look it up. Then as I was searching around I realized it was on Pages, and that I had downloaded Handsome's copy of Pages to iTunes so I already had it! Other artists have done it also, like Sonicflood, but I really like the Shane and Shane

It is beautiful. The lyrics set my mind in the right place for worship and allow my heart to respond appropriately. 

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong, a perfect plea:

A great High Priest, whose name is Love,

Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on his hands,

My name is written on his heart;

I know that while in heaven he stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart

No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,

And tells me of the guilt within,

Upward I look, and see him there

Who made an end of all my sin.

Because a sinless Savior died,

My sinful soul is counted free;

For God, the Just, is satisfied

To look on Him and pardon me

To look on Him and pardon me

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One,

Risen Son of God! 

Behold him there, the risen Lamb

My perfect, spotless righteousness,

The great unchangeable I AM,

The King of glory and of grace!

One in himself, I cannot die

My soul is purchased by his blood

My life is hid with Christ on high,

With Christ, my Savior and my God

With Christ, my Savior and my God

 

A song (x2) for Saturday (Valentine's Day version).

I'm going to do a special double edition of A song for Saturday this week in the spirit of Valentines and because I can't decide between these two songs. I love them both. One is the theme(?) song from Fireproof. It is called Love is not a Fight. I think the lyrics are especially touching on this my first married Valentines. It is a good reminder of what love should (in marriage, and actually in most relationships) look like. 

Love is not a Fight by Warren Barfield.

Love is not a place
To come and go as we please
It's a house we enter in
And then commit to never leave

Lock the door behind you
Throw away the key
We'll work it out together
Let it bring us to our knees

Love is a shelter in the raging storm
Love is peace in the middle of a war
If we try to leave, may God send His angels to guard the door
No, love is not a fight but it's something worth fighting for

To some, love is a word
That they can fall into
But when they're falling out
Keeping that word is hard to do

Love will come to save us
If we'll only call
He will ask nothing of us
But demand we give our all

I will fight for you
Would you fight for me?
It's worth fighting for

The other is a new personal favorite of Mr. Ruggedly Handsome. I think it is a wonderful reminder to all of us, those in romantic relationships, those who are single, those who are in pain, those who are hopeful. This is what the Lord has for you. This is about His Love for you!

Divine Romance by Phil Wickham

The fullness of Your grace is here with me
The richness of Your beauty’s all I see
The brightness of Your glory has arrived
In Your presence God, I’m completely satisfied

For You I sing I dance
Rejoice in this divine romance
Lift my heart and my hands
To show my love, to show my love

A deep deep flood, an Ocean flows from You
Of deep deep love, yeah it’s filling up the room
Your innocent blood, has washed my guilty life
In Your presence God I’m completely satisfied

A song for Saturday .

This song, In Better Hands, by Natalie Grant is my prayer for my own life this week and for coming weeks. 

It's hard to stand on shifting sand 

It's hard to shine in the shadows of the night 

You can't be free if you don't reach for help 

You cant love if you dont love yourself 

There is hope when my faith runs out 

Cause I'm in better hands now 

It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down 

It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground 

So take this heart of mine there's no doubt 

I'm in better hands now 

I am strong all because of you 

I stand in awe of every mountain that you move 

Oh I am changed, yesterday is gone 

I am safe from this moment on 

There's no fear when the night comes 'round 

I'm in better hands now 

It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down 

It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground 

So take this heart of mine there's no doubt 

I'm in better hands now 

It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down 

It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground 

Its like the world is silent though I know it isnt true 

Its like the breath of Jesus is right here in this room 

So take this heart of mine there's no doubt 

I'm in better hands now 

I'm in better hands now

A song for Saturday.

I love this song and have for several years. I just wish I could live such that this was more my prayer every day than my ordinarily selfish, self-serving, self-focused prayers are. The Lord knows I need it to be. 

Hear My Worship

by Jamie Jamgochian

Here, as I worship You 

I long to be more honest

Long to be more free

I, long to be more real

Long to be transparent

As you see my true intentions

Beyond this bended knee

Beyond the words I speak

Beyond the songs I sing

Hear My Worship

All that my heart can bring

This is my offering

Jesus my Holy King

Hear my worship

Hear my worship

I long to have more faith

I long to be more faithful

Here before Your throne

I wait to see Your face

Awaiting in your presence

Waiting just for you to hear me

Chorus

A song for Saturday.

Hope Now

by Addison Road

I am planning on sharing a song each Saturday, and in anticipation for this I typed out many weeks worth of Saturdays from a list of songs that I definitely knew I would like to share. I would normally hope to post a song that has been particularly encouraging, uplifting, or meaningful in a week, but for these earliest posts I just wanted to get rolling... 

But then the Lord is good and has His own plans, doesn't He? 

Since Tuesday, noon o'clock eastern time I have been feeling a little down. I haven't been thrilled about the election / nor was I too thrilled about the inauguration, because I just don't know what will come of our country in the days/weeks/months/years ahead. I understand and appreciate the historically significance of Tuesday day (I was a political science / American history student in college), but my concerns are more political in nature 

So I came here to add something to this post prior to having it post. And then I was encouraged by the song I had planned for this week, long before I was cognizant what events would preface it.  I was reminded that we cannot hope in a living human. We cannot hope in the government, or the political institutions. As Americans we cannot hope in this long-standing tradition of freedom, but we must hope in something greater: the Lord. He is the only one worthy of our hope! I'm reminded of our great hope in God in the verse "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us " Romans 5:5.

How interesting is it that President Obama's message was about hope and change during his campaign. This pulled on the heart strings of so many people. There were strands's of the same message in his inaugural speech, or what I heard of it, as well. How interesting and timely that we see how in need of hope our nation is. But not hope in Obama, even if he becomes a wonderful President, because he is still only human. He is bound to let people down, even if not intending to. 

We need to recognize where true hope is. We will need to plant seeds of it with our friends and neighbors: those people who were so inspired by (now) President Obama's message. The outcry we heard was one of lost souls and lost people, really searching for true hope. 

I pray the song this week reminds you personally of where your true hope lies or that maybe even one person will be encouraged or reminded or will learn anew of where true hope can be found. 

If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of
When I call out Your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I'm Yours

(PRE-CHORUS)
I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life

(CHORUS)
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm

(PRE-CHORUS)
I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life

(CHORUS)
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

(CHORUS 2)
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
You've become my hearts desire
I will sing Your praises higher
Cause Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free

A song for Saturday.

 My Adoration

by the Sonflowerz

This is one of my favorite songs as of right now. It actually has been since summer time and it has led me from any self-centered moments to moments of worship and wonder. The lyrics have refocused my heart and mind to something that is worth thinking about, the Lord and His plan and His love. It also brings me reassurance. I especially like: "Here's my celebration of everything you are, of everything I am in You." 

As a young woman in a beauty-obsessed society, a student in a somewhat competitive graduate school where grades and class placement are continually thought-about and brought up, and as a developing professional, soon to join a profession where ego's run rampant and the competition from school carries into the career world, I need continual reminding that the Lord tells me who I am. I need continual reminding that where I belong is in Him, and in Him is my peace, hope, and worth. 

I hope it reminds you of these things as well and that you too will celebrate your life in Him.