Lyrics to a song by Steven Curtis Chapman come to mind.
“These are the places I was sure I’d find Him I looked in the pages and I looked down on my knees.” Sometimes He comes in the Clouds – Steven Curtis Chapman
I was preparing music for Sunday worship. The readings were about prayer and being attentive in prayer. I recently heard wise words about recognizing “heavenly interruptions” and read about the need to take time, not only to pray but also to listen.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 NIV
Song selection took some heavenly nudges to pluck my heartstrings, but it finally came into focus. Then came the question of a special selection. Something that would fit the sermon or just something that God needed to be said. Then, news that a family friend earned her angel wings, so the planning for her life celebration service began (I prefer not to call them funerals). More songs to prepare, but still not settled on the song for Sunday.
I looked through the pages and I looked down on my knees. I pulled out one of my songs from 2008 called “Million Promises” and the lyrics hit me as they did 10+ years ago.
“You said that we should approach the throne in confidence
but my eyes so full of tears I just can’t see”
Life has been coming at me hard lately, so that rang true.
“All I know to do is put my trust in You Open up my heart and just believe.”
Yep.
“I’d trade a million promises, for one that I can keep
‘cause when it comes to sacrifice, my will is much too weak
When what I was has come and gone, and I’m left with what I am
Just a heart, a soul, one spirit Lord, is entrusted in Your hands.”
Ten years ago, all I knew to do was trust. Ten years later, it is still all I know. In that span, I am still weak; I have gained a few more worry lines, a few pounds and a gray hair or two (or more). I hope that I have gained a bit more wisdom, a bit more patience, and a lot more grace.
I am still trusting, still looking through the pages and still looking down on my knees.
And always Blessed in Great Measure
If you are at our church this Sunday, you probably will hear “Million Promises” (unless the Spirit moves me elsewhere).
If not, you can listen to it or some of my other musical offerings here: Million Promises
Listen to “Sometimes He Comes in the Clouds” by Steven Curtis Chapman here: