Greetings to you in the name that gives us access to the throne room of heaven and the very presence of God, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Savior! What a beautiful morning in the Kingdom -bright sunshine, blue skies, a gentle breeze and clear air to breathe. Surely, “this must be the day that Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!” Today I will be praying for you, asking Father to encourage you and to be “the lifter of your head!”
On one of the Christian ministry websites there was a list of ten songs for those days when things get a little desperate and we are struggling to cope. I decided to look them up and make a make a ‘cd’ to listen to. Of the ten songs, nine were new to me and from artists that i don’t regularly listen to but knowing the reason for the songs made a difference. The one song that I did know is one I have used many times at prayer times and on Sunday worship – I Speak The Name of Jesus. As I listened to it – this time being aware of how it would sound on “one of ‘those’ days.”
However, I was challenged to think of an old hymn that reminds me of a different spiritual reality:
1. Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
2. Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
3. Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
4. Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.
On many a desperate day when I am trying to cope, the truth that is found in these words have been helpful. Two of the most difficult aspects of life in our world is the challenge to “be holy” and the challenge to “take time” to be calm in our soul and to deliberately surrender each thought and each motive to someone else’s control. I need to be reminded…and often, to speak the name of Jesus over doubts and fears and pain and hurts and anxiety and depression…because His name does bring life and healing and breakthrough – freedom.
Have a blessed day!