Monday, July 16, 2012

Is it loud in here?

If you get the chance to listen, I have to tell you any of Ricky Jenkins (the pastor from fellowship downtown) sermons are usually incredible. His gospel rhythms series this summer has been amazing.
He started talking about the narrative of our lives...and how we are just a page in a chapter of the story that God is writing.  He knows every line, and He doesn't leave us in the midst of a crisis to focus on someone else, He's faithful, never changing, all knowing.
He is writing a story, however, to show His glory.  As believers we can see that the Bible isn't written just to tell what happens in the chapters or the stories and miracles that took place, instead these times were recorded in order to reveal His glory.
He wants to shine in all circumstances, even in our mess, our low points, He writes those into our lives so that we can let Him show His love.  Amazing.  As we parent, we should be a reflection of how our Father parents us, as a husband love your wife how He loves the church, as a friend love one another how Jesus loves us...
Listening is a huge issue for most of us.  I know I for one pray and sometimes don't "hear" what God's answer is, at least not right away.   But the bottom line is He is ALWAYS talking to us, but sometimes our life is too loud for us to hear Him.  I know my life has a tendency to get super loud, the daily activity coupled with uncertainties about things to come...it can be so loud around here!
I think that this Summer I have spent too much time worrying about a chapter that He is working out, for good.  A sweet friend of mine gave me precious words that I tell myself so often, the opposite of anxiety is humility.....  I should have known better, but I guess He has to keep it interesting to keep our attention.  No matter what I am thankful for His sovereignty, for this Summer, for this time together and  for his promise to love us no matter what noises interrupt our singing His praises.
I hope you have heard this song, but if not its one of my favorites, just thought I would share :)

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes


You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name


And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore