Strength from songs

On February 3rd I was listening to the radio (Family Radio, 91.3) when several songs came on that struck me with their lyrics.

In order for me to minister to others, I need to keep growing in my relationship with God and in my faith. I know that I need to take time apart, have times of silence and solitude, study, pray, meet with others, etc.  I cannot offer to others from a dry well; I must refill at the fountain.

When there are days that I'm poured out to the point that I'm not sure what I have to offer, it is good to be reminded that I can offer the love of Christ.  I can share what I learn as I learn it.  I can offer ministry of presence and a listening ear.

As I was preparing that Friday morning to be with a family, the songs on the radio spoke to me and filled me with renewed strength.  Not solely for ministry with the family, but for quite a few other things going on in life.

One of the songs was new to me, "Lean On" by 7eventh Time Down.

Lyrics:

I know just how you feel
When you're too tired to stand up
I know just how you feel
I know it's hard to believe
When you wanna give up
I know just how you feel

You can lean on everlasting arms
When your strength fails and your faith is worn
You'll be safe here from all alarms
You can lean on everlasting arms

I know just how you feel
When you've done all that you can
And it's still not enough

There is a peace more real
There is a place you can rest
There's Someone you can trust

You can lean on everlasting arms
When your strength fails and your faith is worn
You'll be safe here from all alarms
You can lean on everlasting arms

He will hold you up and never let go
My God will hold you up,
He'll never let go 


Jordan Feliz sings "Down to the River".   It's a peppy song that I enjoy.  "Beloved" isn't as peppy, but the message is an important reminder for whose we are.

Lyrics:

Head full of questions, how can you measure up?
To deserve afftection to ever be enough
For this existance
When did it get so hard?
Your heart is beating, alive and breathing
And there´s a reason why
You are essential, not accidental
And you should realize
You are beloved
I wanted you to know
You are beloved
Let it soak into your soul
Oh, forget the lies you heard
Rise above the hurt
And listen to these words
You are beloved
I wanted you to know
You are beloved
You are beloved

Sometimes a heart can feel like a heavy weight
It pulls you under and you just fall away
Is anybody gonna hear you call?
Oh, oh
But there´s a purpose
Under the surface
And you don´t have to drown
Let me remind you
That love will find you
Let it lift you out
You are beloved
I wanted you to know
You are beloved

I wanted you to know

You are beloved
Don´t be afraid
Don´t let hope, faith keep your eyes fixed on the line above
In the heartbreak, in your mistakes, nothing can separate you from love
Don´t be afraid
Don´t let hope, fait keep you eyes fixed on the line above
In the heartbreak, in your mistakes, nothing can separate you from love
You are beloved
I wanted you to know
You are beloved
Let it soak into your soul
Forget the lies you heard
Rise above the hurt
And listen to these words
You are beloved
I wanted you to know
You are beloved
You are beloved
You are beloved
Don´t be afraid
Don´t let hope, faith keep your eyes fixed on the line above
In the heartbreak, in your mistakes, nothing can separate you from love
You are beloved

Remembering that there is an Audience of One for whom I am to live, love, and lead is at times difficult.  We all need reminding that we are beloved of God, that we are created uniquely with a purpose.  There are some days and times that we need that message more than others.  We can get caught up in the many voices daily, but need to attempt to listen to the One Voice, that of our Creator who knows us more intimately than anyone.

The other song that ministered to me that morning was "My All in All" by Phil Wickham, another new song for me that day.

Lyrics:

You are my life you are my love
You are my reason
You are my hope you are my joy
You are my passion
My all in all Jesus my all in all

In the desert You're the river
An ever flowing stream of life
In the battle You're the victor
We raise Your banner high

In the darkness You're the fire
A holy flame for all to see
In my heart You reign forever
My all, my everything

You are my life you are my love
You are my reason
You are my hope you are my joy
You are my passion
My all in all Jesus my all in all
My all in all Jesus my all in all

In the tempest You're the shelter
And I will hide beneath Your wings
Hallelujah what a Savior!
My all, my everything

You are my life you are my love
You are my reason
You are my hope you are my joy
You are my passion
My all in all Jesus my all in all
My all in all Jesus my all in all

Your name be high and lifted up
Jesus Your name be high and lifted up
Jesus Your name be high and lifted up
In all the earth, in all the earth

You are my life you are my love
You are my reason
You are my hope you are my joy
You are my passion
My all in all Jesus my all in all
My all in all Jesus You are my all in all

------------

Music ministers to my soul.  It can give me strength for the journey, help me praise and worship, and remind me of who and whose I am.

When the days are difficult or you are hearing from too many voices other than the One who knit you together in your mother's womb (Psalm 139), may you be encouraged by these or other songs.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra