Pause

A few weeks ago I wrote about meditating on the word of God.  I talked about setting the scene, thinking about the people present and then getting into the words being spoken, the message being taught and praying over that message to help make it a part of us.  But I found more! 

Sunday we sang "How Deep the Father's Love for Us" during worship at church.  And as I listened to the beautiful words of this song, I thought...."wow, this would be great to meditate on!"  Godly music does so much for us.  It lifts us up, brings voice to our heart's thoughts and feelings, honors our God, encourages, soothes, and carries us into the Presence of our Lord. (Thank you song writers, singers, musicians, and worship teams!)  Some songs tell the story of our redemption, some give voice to the amazing love of our Father or expound on His attributes.   Why not use some of those lyrics and tunes to focus our hearts and minds on our God, our Savior, Redeemer and King. 

Taking time to listen to a song honoring our Lord, and spending time mulling over the words of that song  gives rest to our spirits.   It's like a pause in your day....and with all the craziness of our lives, the world and the cluttered landscape of our minds, I think we need more of these God pauses in our day.  Lyrics and music can be found all over the internet, places like YouTube have tons of Christian videos, your church hymnals are another source for this as well. 

Pull apart the lyrics, match them up with Scripture, expand on what they are saying in worship to our God.  Use them to broaden your heart's love of the Lord, waking you up to His Presence and Glory.  What a beautiful way to start or end the day, and a refreshing break during the busyness of life. 

Lord, teach us to meditate on You.  Give us quiet minds and open our eyes to the resources You supply that will help us focus on and glorify You.  Thank You for Your Word, for God honoring music, let us use these to deepen our relationship with You, to bring us into Your Presence that You may grow us and change us and make us more like Jesus.  Keep us from anything that is not of You and only lead us in ways that will draw us closer and closer to You.  We love You and want to honor You.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen. 

How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure. 

That He should give His only Son, to make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turns His face away,

as wounds which mar the chosen One, bring many sons to glory.

Behold the Man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders. 

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, call our among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there, until it was accomplished.

His dying breath has brought me life.  I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything, no gifts, nor pow'r not wisdom. 

But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. 

Why should I gain from His reward?  I cannot give an answer.

But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.