Tuesday 9 February 2016

From my Heart to His with Love



Words can be powerfully beautiful. 

Sweet expressions of profound love that melt our hearts; dreamy, far-away places that we long to visit; poignant stories of heart-break... all come to life with the right combination of beautiful words.

But sometimes, words don't come easy. When we sit in raptured silence before our God... the One who spoke this universe into existence with... Just... One... Word - sometimes, we can be speechless.

It is then that my heart sings to the Lord.

Although, I can't sing very well, I've always loved the songs. Songs that express what I can't find the words to say... songs that unearth and bring to light the deep, murky truths of the word of God... songs that whisper to my heart the secret treasures of God's always and forever, never giving up kind of love... songs that shoot like an arrow straight from my heart to His... prayer-songs that help me to pray with passion to my father in heaven and draw me closer to him.

No... I'm not a singer... but some mornings you'll find me singing to the top of my lungs and dancing too. And I'm even less of a dancer. My children give me strange looks and figure I'm just a little crazy... but I don't mind... there's something about finding the right words to give voice to your heart whispers. And I think of David...'leaping and dancing before the Lord' and I smile.

God knew what he was doing when He said,
"Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them." Isaiah 42:10
He knew that singing of His majesty, His redeeming love, the liberty from sin He offers and the hope found only in Him, will cause our hearts to rejoice and overflow with love and gratitude... for Him and to Him. A love that pours into the lives of others and a profound gratefulness that spills into lifting our hearts and voices and lives in thanksgiving... and in that thanksgiving we find the will of God. (1 Thes. 5:18) 

Isn't it wonderful how our Father always knows what's best for us? 

And so, without further ado, here are a few snippets of one of my all-time favorite classics... a glimpse into His unimaginably pursuing love and a prayer of passion from my heart to His. As you read, I pray that you too will find your heart strangely warmed.





And can it be that I should gain

An interest in the Savior’s blood?

Died He for me, who caused His pain—

For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,

Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread;

Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;

Alive in Him, my living Head,

And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’ eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’ eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.




Did you get that? 

How could we not love Him? How could we not praise Him? 

So, go ahead, let love for God saturate your heart... then open your mouth and sing... even if it's a little off-key.

Oh, and if you don't quite relish the old hymns, here's Owl City's beautifully heart-stirring rendition of 'In Christ Alone', one of my contemporary favorites - the good news powerfully infused into one melodious song. Enjoy!


This post is also being shared at these inspiring sites today:
The Loft Link-Up
http://www.leahadams.org/the-loft-link-up-love/

Sitting Among Friends Blog Party
http://youresewtrendy.blogspot.com/2016/02/is-love-trend-and-sitting-among-friends.html


16 comments:

  1. This is beautiful. I love that old hymn but I also love the modern song from Owl City. Isn't it amazing how God encourages us to sing and dance for him -- all to his glory? And I can only imagine you doing so right now. How fun!

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    1. Yes, my friend, it is indeed a sight to behold. Ha! Thanks for always encouraging me.

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  2. This was the song that came to mind for me:

    Oh Oh Oh My heart sings Oh Oh Oh
    Oh Oh Oh My heart sings Oh Oh Oh


    William Mcdowell - My Heart Sings

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrCrtanfREM

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    1. What a beautiful song; I hadn't heard it before. 'How can I describe the indescribable?' So true! Thanks for sharing, my friend.

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  3. Thanks for sharing today at the Loft! I adore Christ Alone. So funny, Christ Alone started playing on my Pandora when I opened your post!

    Love the hymn, too! So many of our old hymns have such meaning1

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    1. Thanks for dropping by Jerralea. I just love to meditate on their words... such depth of meaning. Blessings!

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  4. I love to sing, but this side of heaven, it is not a joyful noise to the ears that are unfortunate enough to hear me. I'm counting on having a spectacular voice in heaven!! The songs you referenced are a wonderful way to LOVE on Jesus. Thanks for linking up at The Loft with us this week!!

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    1. I hear you, my friend. (LOL) Sometimes, I just love to meditate on the words and then 'sing and make music in my heart to the Lord'. Blessings to you.

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  5. I'm not much of a singer. But I can just see your joy in the Lord as you sing and yes, as you dance. Thank you for sharing such a personal and intimate place in your heart for Him.

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  6. Like you, I'm not much of a singer, but using it as a form of expression, to show your dedication, is something I can understand. Thanks so much for sharing these encouraging songs on #SHINEbloghop this week. We're so glad you were able to join us :)

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    1. You're welcome, Maria. I've found so many encouraging posts on #SHINEbloghop. Thank you for hosting.

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  7. What a pretty site you have here. I loved this post. It is just like me. I sing so loud sometimes but my kids are so used to it. They think I have a beautiful voice because they don't know any difference. Sometimes our heart in singing out is so beautiful it covers all of that up. I played this song on my computer and as soon as I did my little guy said, I love this song. Keep singing your joyful song. Thank you so much for sharing with Sitting Among Friends on Wednesday. I look forward to seeing you again this week, new friend!

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    1. Oh, Jaime! What sweet encouragement; thank you so much, my friend.

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  8. Hi Carlie! I'm blessed by your sweet love song today through your words. I saw something (new for me) in the Isaiah 42:10 verse -"Sing to the Lord a new song...you islands and all who live in them". As an island girl - I'm loving it! Thanks! Visiting from Faith'nFriends.

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  9. Thanks, Sandra! I love how God specifically mentions the islands. It feels like He is speaking directly to me.(lol)

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