Your love never fails. It never gives up.
It never runs out on me.
On and on and on it goes.
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul.
I never ever have to be afraid because this one thing remains.
Your love…
The above stanza is the chorus of a popular worship song sung in many churches today.
It is one that I am well familiar with and have sung, myself, many times over.
Today, however, this song stopped me dead in my tracks.
As I busied myself with housework, while simultaneously listening to worship music, the words of this particular song suddenly gave me cause to pause.
I put down my broom- and for a moment– allowed the words to pour over me.
In the midst of my flitting about- singing along to the songs, but not really giving thought to the words I sang- Jesus came to visit.
I often wonder how different our Sunday morning worship would be, if we truly paid attention to the words of the songs that we sing. Allowing them to permeate our moments.
Sadly, there are times when I must admit my mind is everywhere BUT in the moment.
During Sunday worship, my mind can be distracted by:
- The most recent football score.
- The curling iron that I may have forgotten to turn off.
- The most convenient route to take home once service is over.
- What I will make for lunch.
- How uncomfortable my boots are.
(All real examples by the way.)
The point is that all too often I catch myself merely just going through the motions of worship, but my heart is far off.
When I allow my mind to be bogged down with the cares and distractions of the world, I hinder the ministrations of Jesus, through worship.
And so I wonder- I just wonder– what it would look like if we truly gave ear to the songs that we sing- allowing them to permeate our very being.
The truth in the lyrics of the aforementioned song- that God’s love is never-failing– should give us cause to pause.
Not only is His love unfailing- it is unrelenting.
It never gives up.
The love of God drives Him to pursue us- fervently, passionately, relentlessly.
There is no beginning, and no end.
No escaping His great love.
David understood this truth, when he penned the words to this famous psalm~
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there. If I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, or if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there, Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:7-11)
What an awesome thought!
God’s love knows no bounds.
It is far-reaching. It is constant.
It is the one thing that remains- even when nothing else does.
I am so grateful for a God who sees fit to interrupt my thoughts- opening my ears to truly hear the words to the songs that I sing.
Had I been so preoccupied with my own thoughts- making it next to impossible to hear the Lord’s still small voice prompting me to pause and listen– I would have missed out on this invaluable opportunity to turn my singing into true worship!
So I encourage you- the next time you find yourself singing along to songs of worship, try actually turning your ears to the words that are being sung.
A greater blessing awaits you there- than in the distractions that flood your mind.
“Come, thy fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace. Streams of mercy never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.” ~Robert Robinson, Come Thou Fount
Let’s talk!
What are some of the songs/hymns that speak to your heart most?
Why not share them in the comments below?
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I admit that I don’t journal as much I I’d like to, but as Pam points out in her recent blog post, when we take the time to document our life’s journey, it helps to remind us of the events in our lives that have been paramount in helping to shape who we’ve become- and who we will be in the future.
Reflecting on the many ways that God has graciously intervened in our lives, encourages us to be mindful of all that He is doing and has done in the past, and points us in the right direction for our future.
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Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it
I don’t deserve it
Still You give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God…
Susan, I LOVE this song!!! It has literally been set to replay all week! I cannot get enough! God’s reckless, overwhelming love…<3
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Love this! So relatable. Sometimes we can find ourselves singing the lyrics to a song but not fully grasping what exactly it is saying. It is those “aha moments” where we really ponder on what we’re singing to or about the lord that are oh so amazing. Thank you for sharing
Absolutely right, Emily! Love those “aha” moments! Thanks for visiting today! 🙂
It’s funny how we can hear a song many times and not grasp it, then all of a sudden one day we do! I’ve always loved the hymn ‘I Surrender All’, even when I was a little girl it moved me every time it was sung in church.
“All to Jesus I surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him
In His presence daily live”
To surrender is to trust and that’s something I have to be reminded of everyday. To trust Him in all things.
Glad I stopped by from the ‘Coffee for your Heart’ link-up. : )
LOVE that hymn, Cathy! Yes, surrendering is a daily occurrence, isn’t it? Thank you for sharing today! <3
The song is my go-to song when I’m singing to myself! Love the words and the melody!
Now I’ve given to Jesus everything,
Now I gladly own Him as my King,
Now my raptured soul can only sing of Calvary!
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty at Calvary.
Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary!
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty at Calvary.
I can’t say I’ve ever heard this song before, but the lyrics are beautiful and powerful! Thanks for sharing them with me! <3
Thank you Rachel! I’m honored to be one of your featured posts this week! Regarding journaling, I started a number of years ago. I don’t journal every day, but I do love it! I have multiple journals – my personal one, and then several for different Bible and book studies.
Laura, it was an honor to feature your post this week! I guess I kind of look at my blog as my personal journal, but I’d like to leave the generations after me a handwritten treasure. I have started many times, but always seem to quit. 🙁
Thank you for hosting Rachel. Sometimes when I read a Bible verse too fast, I feel like I do the same. There’s so much to absorb and when I really think about the words my worship goes deeper. One of my favorite hymns is “Be still my soul. The Lord is on your side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide.”
Yes,I do that too Valerie! It takes some amount of effort to sit still and soak in His words. So much goodness found there!
Thanks for linking up this morning! 🙂
I’ve been blessed just by reading the words of worship that have blessed other readers.
Thanks for this call to PAY ATTENTION when we’re in the presence of God — which brings to mind this verse: Where shall I flee from His presence?
Hmmm . . . there’s a case for paying attention all the time.
Yes, ME TOO!!! I love that so many have left lyrics from their favorite worship songs! What a blessing to read and be encouraged. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by here this morning, Michele!
I’m glad I’m your neighbor over at #Tuneinthursday this week! There are so many good songs, both new and old, that help point our hearts in the right direction. This old one often comes back to me:
“It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ.
One glimpse of His dear face, all trials will erase.
So may we run the race, till we see Christ”
Great lyrics! Thanks for stopping by Bettie!
Rachel, I’ve thought about this often, the importance of really listening to the words as we sing. I make every attempt to that, at least on Sunday mornings, but I know I fall far short. I grew up in the rock n roll era, so, I have no problem with different styles of worship music, but I think many of the hymns are so rich in truth when you really listen to the words. You quoted one of my favorites. Blessings and thanks for hosting.
Donna, I agree! The hymns, though not sung often anymore, are rich with depth and truth. The words are so meaningful!
Glad you are here! 🙂
I sing all the time, contemporary and hymns. Just to rest upon His promise, just to know His healing power.
Yes! Nice to “see” you, Rebecca:)
I grew up in a liturgical church and had the liturgy memorized and recited it every week without thought. It wasn’t until i left that denomination that the liturgy really took on meaning. Now, when I go back to my childhood church when visiting my mother, I really have time to dwell on the richness of what the words say. I think we all need to work at thinking about the truths that we speak and sing so that they move from our mouths and deep into our hearts! Thanks for the post!
Move from our lips, and deep into our hearts- exactly! Wonderful thought. <3
Love this encouragement, Rachel, to engage both our hearts as we sing out the words – worshiping God both in spirit and in truth!
In Spirit and Truth- absolutely! Thanks for visiting, Crystal! 🙂
So true, Rachel. Love it when God “interrupts” me and reminds me to pay attention, that He has a message for me. Perfect term you gave for that…interruption. I love listening to the words of songs and allowing them to minister. Music has a way of touching places that other things aren’t able to a lot of times, doesn’t it? — It’s hard for me to choose any one song, because so many minister to me. One I was thinking about earlier was Natalie Grant’s, King of the World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K7kplxNM48 🙂
I agree, Brenda! There is just something about music that sinks deep. And I believe it not only touches our hearts, but also the Lord’s!
I love Natalie Grant! That’s a good one! <3
I love the hymn you chose. One that’s also been on my heart lately is the one that starts “How great the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure…” You’re so right that it can be hard to switch our minds “off” from racing thoughts to really center our focus on the Lord when it’s time for corporate worship.
One thing that I think has helped me is trying to make space in my days where I am sitting in total quiet – not engaged in an activity, not watching anything or listening to anything in the background, and not looking at my phone – and just letting myself sit and be aware that I’m in the presence of God in that moment, because He is literally always there! Not for a long time, just a minute or two – but I feel like that little “break” where I try and actively acknowledge Him makes it easier to shift my focus to Him at other times as well, including during worship! Hope that is helpful for someone. Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
I love that, Traci! What an awesome practice! I just finished reading Sara Hagerty’s “Unseen”- SO GOOD! But this reminded me of what she does too- taking a purposeful break in the middle of the day, to pause and give your heart and mind to Jesus, (if even for a moment).
Setting aside those minutes does wonders, doesn’t it? Thanks for sharing this!
I love it that Jesus visited! May I recognize He is sitting down and waiting for me to see Him staring in love and guidance in the middle of my messy day/mind/kitchen and pantry. Love this Rachel. Just asked Him – actually began with repentance: Lord, I don’t give the time to giving You the glory You deserve. There. That’s a start. Good visiting with you today, Rachel. (: Dusting is overrated, btw.
That’s a GREAT start, Sue! May we all start there…((hugs))
Thanks for discussing not only the importance of worship, but of being present in worship. It reminds me of how often we’ve sung words to a song without really thinking about what we are pondering.
Yes, me too Erica. Praying for more moments to lean in and listen.
Thanks for stopping by. ((hugs))
When I was younger, I used to sing a lot of songs and hymns by rote. The older I get and the closer to Jesus I draw, the more I truly worship as I sing the words to these songs of worship and praise.
I’ve got lots of favorites, too many to list.
I have fond memories of singing “His Name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord” when I was a kid. We sang it every evening as we filed out of the chapel during a week-long summer Bible camp. It still fills my heart with peace when I just think about it.
Those songs that we sand as children have a way of sticking with us, don’t they? I don’t mind it. They have a special place in my heart.
I have many songs that I sing from my younger years as well. 🙂 Good for the soul! <3
I’ve noticed more and more recently how I listen to songs in the car, but then one pops up when I’m in a Bible study and I really listen to the words and the song comes alive and I think how did I miss that.
Love your words and thoughts here. THANKS for sharing.
I love the worship time in church. It is the one place I slow down enough to listen and pay attention. I find many times the tears run down my face not because I feel God touching my heart. However, I don’t always pay attention when at home. Thank you for your post. I am going to try and capture a little of that at home too.
It’s a little harder to capture at home, at least for me it is. I am surrounded by noise all day long, and it proves to be a real challenge. But occasionally- like in this post- God will visit me when least expected! Blessings to you, Maree!
Your moment captured reminds me of my own experiences. I love listening to worship music while I clean the house or do errands in the car. Those times when the words penetrate my mind and heart are the best!! The joy of the song catapulting my heart to the heavens is what makes the best part of my day.
Like you, I have spent too many moments where I was mindlessly listening or singing along, only to be absent from any real affection being stirred. Thanks for sharing a great post that gives us all pause as we reflect. Happy to share!
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