Stepped into an empty church long before Sunday would stir. Morning sun through stained glass illuminated an old piano. Lack of practice warranted more warmup. One run through the day’s selections and my heart flowed into praise. Fingers seemed to be moving well and voice was awakening. A fresh lyric may have found its melody. When pews began to fill, a musician grew in confidence. And church began. Hymns were well received and full of voices. The sermon was about oxen being yoked and it resonated deeply.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29
“Learn from me.” When a young bull is added to a team, he is yoked with a more seasoned ox to show the way, to draw back in line and to shoulder the burden. As of late, I have pulled too much plow on my own, or so I thought. But today, the music was good, so I pressed on into a solo.
My heart’s bleeding from retreating
And I don’t know what to do
I fall on my knees
My blinded eyes can see
How Your mercy covers me
When I Praise You.
And I’m broken … with half a song left to sing. The same truths left my pen 15 years ago, yet I do not recall being this shattered. “Breathe, remember to breathe. Cry. Use what voice you have left. Keep breathing!”
My heart’s beating by Your leading
And I know just what to do
I fall on my knees
My blinded eyes can see
How Your mercy covers me
When I Praise You.
Your Mercy covers me.
No one admitted to hearing me break, but they are always kind and appreciative of the effort. Perhaps my weakness echoed beyond their ears, or only behind the piano. Either way, I felt somewhat drawn back into line, yoked with Jesus who shoulders the oxen’s share of the load.
When it’s raining in my soul
I’ve lost all my control
Still, I feel I’m almost home
When I Praise You
And I feel I’m almost home …
If these words have been a blessing, pass them along to another who needs to hear. Reach out to me at John@LiftedKeys.com and tell me your story. I would love to know where and in what way God has guided His words through my pen.
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