Friday, March 28, 2008

A Place of Refuge

We all need a place of refuge! This particular day, it was the church hymnal. I was feeling weak and I needed some encouragement. Armor-clad (Eph. 6:10-18), my weapon today would be PRAISE! I went, song by song, through the entire hymnal, singing each verse. The songs I did not know and the responsive readings, I read aloud.

As I went deeper into the hymnal, something amazing happened! I began to hear, not just with my ears, but with my soul! As I continued, my understanding increased. The messages of the hymns were being absorbed by my heart. I had sung those songs since childhood and never really heard them!

My soul was encouraged that day. I think I'll take out the hymnal and start all over again!
This is one of my favorites:

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
by Martin Luther, 1529

A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He, amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe; His craft and pow'r great,
And armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, The Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus-it is He; Lord Sabaoth, His name;
From age to age the same; And He must win the battle.


And tho' this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim-We tremble not for him.
His rage we can endure, For, lo, his doom is sure; One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly pow'rs, No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours Thro' Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go-This mortal life also. The body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still. His kingdom is forever.

Next time you are singing, listen to the words with your heart!

Be Encouraged!
Plant Lady

3 comments:

Lynn - JnL4God said...

Plant Lady,
Nothing like some praise and worship to draw you close into Our Fathers arms. Do you feel His arms around you. I once had someone say they would visualize themselves squealing Daddy Daddy, Abba Father and then crawling up on his lap as he wrapped his arms around her. It's now a nice thought I like to ponder as well. You have such a lovely spirit about you. I hope all is well with you.I wasn't sure what happened but I prayed God would meet your needs. Have a wonderful evening and thanks for visiting my blog. I put another on, it's hard because I get going and want to tell 45 stories in one. Oh well. Have Blessed day.
Love,
Lynn

Plant Lady said...

Lynn,
I was just at your blog! I guess while I was posting on yours, you were posting on mine. Great minds think alike, don't they! Ha! Ha!

You have been such an encouragement to me. I didn't realize you had two blogs until today. I'll keep visiting both.

Yes, I actually write Him letters in my prayer journal. I start with Abba Father,(Dear Daddy).

Love,
Plant Lady

God Chaser said...

Plant Lady thanks for stopping by mu blog. this is new to me but I have added something. Please visit again and let me know what you think.
I love the idea of going through the hymnal and just singing the words of the song. A great quiet time activity.