It's the week of Easter and I've been asked to sing a solo with the choir.
Musically, it's very simple. But the words are very, very difficult for me.
Musically, it's very simple. But the words are very, very difficult for me.
Here's the first verse:
How I love to read
the book you wrote for me
you loved the world so much
you gave your son
written there in crimson
you told me I'm forgiven
it is done
it is done
the book you wrote for me
you loved the world so much
you gave your son
written there in crimson
you told me I'm forgiven
it is done
it is done
I relate to those words.
It's the lyrics of the chorus that I find a little 'unsettling':
So if you never speak another word of blessing
and the silence leaves me with a sense of loss
I'll remember when my heart begins to question
any doubt that you love me was settled at the cross
By Phil Mehrens & Lyn Rowell Lee Black
When I sing a song I take the delivery of the lyrics just as seriously as the delivery of the musical notes.
When I can't reach some of the notes, I work at it. I practice it over and over. I approach it from various angles and techniques until I find something that works. I use the tools from my toolbox that I've accumulated over the years from various vocal coaches.
When I can't reach some of the notes, I work at it. I practice it over and over. I approach it from various angles and techniques until I find something that works. I use the tools from my toolbox that I've accumulated over the years from various vocal coaches.
But when the lyrics are hard to live, that's another story. A different set of tools are required.
I think these songwriters must have a much stronger faith than I. To promise that "I'll remember God's love for me if he NEVER speaks another word of blessing and when that kind of silence leaves me with a sense of loss," is quite a commitment. I don't know about you, but there are so many times when I still doubt God's love for me.
As I've been rehearsing this song, I've been letting the challenge of it sink deep into my soul. Like Paul said in Philippians 3:13-14; "Brothers and sisters, as I said, I know I have not arrived; but there’s one thing I am doing: I’m leaving my old life behind, putting everything on the line for this mission. I am sprinting toward the only goal that counts: to cross the line, to win the prize, and to hear God’s call to resurrection life found exclusively in Jesus the Anointed." The Voice.
I relate. I haven't yet arrived at the point where I can say ....if you NEVER speak another word of blessing..I'll be ok. But I'm aiming for that. I want to have such strong faith that I never doubt the power of the cross in my life. This is a walk of faith.
When my husband gives me his word about something - I never have to question him on it. There are times I need reassurance, but I've learned over time that I can count on his word to me. Any doubt is usually because of my own insecurities - not his lapse in commitment to follow through.
I need to be that way with God. I thrive on hearing from God. His voice is my life-source. If I think he's not speaking to me, I stop and ask him why, just to make sure I haven't closed my ears in some way, because I believe he delights in talking to us.
This song takes everything to another level. It's Easter. I want to have the kind of faith that really believes it was all settled at the cross, even when I am unsettled.
